Psychometric Evaluation of the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS)

Aim: Anhedonia is a transdiagnostic symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD) that is also influenced by substance use, yet the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS) has only been validated in MDD. This study examined the psychometric properties of the DARS in co-occurring MDD and cannabis use disorder (CUD). Methods: Thirty-five participants completed the DARS, Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Analyses included confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, Spearman correlations, group comparisons, and ROC analysis against SHAPS-defined anhedonia. Results: The DARS supported a four-factor (and second-order) structure, demonstrated excellent internal consistency, and showed expected convergent validity (e.g., SHAPS ρ=−.64). ROC analysis indicated good discrimination (AUC=.81) with a Youden-derived threshold of 65 (sensitivity ≈.85; specificity ≈.75). Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence of the utility of the DARS in co-occurring MDD and CUD.