[Reliability and construct validity of the OPD-CA axes: structure and prerequisites for treatment].

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnostics (OPD-CA) for children and adolescents with the modified version (OPD-CA-2) focusing on the mainly unchanged treatment conditions and the redesigned structure axis.

METHODS

The patient sample consisted 371 inpatient children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders from 3 to 18 years. OPD-CA and OPD-CA-2 diagnostics were routinely performed by OPD-experienced raters. Statistical calculation included Cronbach's alpha (internal consistency) and confirmatory factor analysis.

RESULTS

The OPD-CA-2 structure axis showed very good internal consistency (reliability) compared to the OPD-CA. We found satisfactorily good values for the treatment conditions with slightly higher average scores in the OPD-CA-2. Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in two models where the items on the OPD-CA-2 structure axis were stronger correlated than those of the OPD-CA.

CONCLUSION

The OPD-CA-2 is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing treatment conditions and psychic structure in children and adolescents. The reorganization of the structure axis and the treatment conditions in the OPD-CA-2 resulted in a measurable improvement.