Do self-criticism and somatic symptoms play a key role in chronic depression? Exploring the factor structure of Beck depression inventory-II in a sample of chronically depressed inpatients.

Abstract Background: The factor structure of depression differs for different sub-samples. purpose this study was to explore the Beck Depression Inventory-II in patients with chronic presenting inpatient treatment. Methods: Using exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), we explored whether a two-factor solution or bifactor provided best model fit sample 377 patients. For fitting stability assessed tests invariance across primary diagnosis (persistent depressive disorder v. recurrent major disorder), and presence comorbidity. Results: A one general two specific factors fit. Invariance analyses support measurement solution. Limitations: naturalistic design implies some uncertainty regarding possible systematic differences between on demographic clinical characteristics. Conclusion: our explained by factor, pertaining self-criticism, consisting somatic items fatigue, disturbance sleep, appetite. Clinicians could benefit from paying special attention subfactors identified, as these findings may have implications treatment choice depression.