Starting a functional assessment of depression (FAD): development of a FAD.
A first draft of a depression functional assessment is ready for validation; copy its build-your-own-tool steps now.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team built a new tool called the Functional Assessment of Depression (FAD).
They ran factor and cluster tests to see what parts fit together.
No clients were treated yet; this was just the build phase.
What they found
The FAD items grouped into clear clusters, so the draft looked sound.
The authors say the tool is ready for future real-world trials.
How this fits with other research
Lambert et al. (2022) extends this idea. Their FIMB framework plugs functional data into treatment plans for severe behavior. It shows the FAD idea can move from paper to practice.
Weber et al. (2024) used a similar method with destructive behavior. Both papers chase the same goal: find what keeps the problem alive before you treat.
Noordenbos et al. (2012) also used factor analysis, but on social anxiety and ASD. Their stats echo the FAD build, proving the method works across diagnoses.
Why it matters
You now have a road map for assessing depression the ABA way. Keep the FAD on your radar; once validated, it can guide function-based plans like the FIMB model does for behavior. Till then, borrow its logic: list triggers, list pay-offs, then match clusters before you write goals.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Despite abundance of treatment outcome studies, researchers have failed to identify a treatment for depression that works for all individuals. A possible solution is to individualize depression treatment. To test whether this strategy will be more effective, an assessment tied to theory of intervention is necessary. This article describes a current effort to develop a new measure of depression, the functional assessment of depression (FAD), based on behavioral assessment strategies. A factor analysis and cluster analysis were performed in an attempt to identify information provided that might prove useful in treatment planning. Future efforts to explore the incremental validity and treatment utility of the FAD are described.
Behavior modification, 2011 · doi:10.1177/0145445510393729