Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale ASRM
Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale ASRM overview
Creator and Context
The Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM) is a concise, self-report instrument designed to assess the presence and severity of manic or hypomanic symptoms. Comprising just 5 items, the ASRM is valued for its brevity and ease of use in both clinical and research settings.
Developed by Dr. Sidney Altman, this scale was designed to provide a quick and effective tool for assessing mania. The ASRM aligns with the CARS-M, YMRS, and DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, enhancing its utility as a screening and diagnostic instrument.
Presenting Conditions
The ASRM is specifically targeted at identifying symptoms associated with manic or hypomanic episodes, such as:
Increased cheerfulness and confidence.
Reduced need for sleep.
Talkativeness.
Hyperactivity.
Excessive involvement in risky activities.
Administration
The ASRM is self-administered, with individuals rating their own symptoms based on their experiences over the past week. Each item has five response options, which vary slightly in wording and intensity.
Desired Audience
This scale is primarily used with adults suspected of having bipolar disorder, particularly those who may be experiencing manic or hypomanic episodes.
The ASRM is useful for screening purposes in clinical settings, as well as for monitoring symptom changes over time, especially in patients with known bipolar disorder.
Considerations
The ASRM is a subjective measure and should be supplemented with clinical assessment.
Scores may be influenced by the individual's insight and awareness of their condition.
The scale is not designed to diagnose depression or distinguish between different types of bipolar disorder.
How to score the Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale ASRM
Conducting the assessment
Respondents select the statement for each item that best describes their condition over the past week, from no symptom presence to severe symptom presence.
Interpretation
Each of the 5 items is scored on a scale of 0 to 4, with the total score ranging from 0 to 20. Higher scores indicate greater severity of manic symptoms.
A score of 6 or more suggests the presence of manic symptoms.
Higher scores indicate more severe symptomatology and may warrant further clinical investigation.
Clinical Considerations
Use the ASRM as a preliminary tool for identifying potential manic symptoms.
Consider comprehensive psychiatric assessment for individuals with high scores.
Regular administration can be beneficial in monitoring symptom fluctuations in bipolar disorder.
Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale ASRM use cases
Screening for manic or hypomanic episodes in psychiatric settings.
Monitoring symptom severity in patients with bipolar disorder.
Research on the prevalence and characteristics of mania.
Category
Personality Disorder
Research Summary
Altman, E. G., Hedeker, D., Peterson, J. L., & Davis, J. M. (1997). The Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale. Biological Psychiatry, 42(10), 948-955.
Young, R. C., Biggs, J. T., Ziegler, V. E., & Meyer, D. A. (1978). A rating scale for mania: reliability, validity and sensitivity. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 133(5), 429-435.
