Table 5.

Clinically Significant Change Benchmarks with Common Instruments and Mood Rating Scales

		Cut Scores
Measure		Away	Back	Closer	90% Critical Change
Benchmarks Based on Published Norms
Beck Depression Inventory 159
	BDI Mixed Depression	4	22	15	8
CBCL T-Scores (2001 Norms)68
	Total	49	70	58	4
	Externalizing	49	70	58	6
	Internalizing	*	70	56	7
	Attention Problems	*	66	58	7
TRF T-Scores (2001 Norms)68
	Total	*	70	57	4
	Externalizing	*	70	56	5
	Internalizing	*	70	55	7
	Attention Problems	*	66	57	7
YSR T-Scores (2001 Norms)68
	Total	*	70	54	6
	Externalizing	*	70	54	8
	Internalizing	*	70	54	8
Benchmarks Based on Bipolar Spectrum Samples 131
	Young Mania Rating Scale (Clinician Rated)113	6	2	2	10
	Child Depression Rating Scale-Revised 114	*	40	29	7
	Parent GBI – Hypomanic/Biphasic Scale 33	7	19	15	7
	Parent GBI – Depression Scale 33	*	18	13	6
	Adolescent GBI – Hypomanic/Biphasic Scale 32	*	32	19	7
	Adolescent GBI – Depression Scale 32	*	47	27	9

Note: Away from the clinical range, Back into the nonclinical range, Closer to the nonclinical than clinical mean.

^*These benchmarks would require impossible test scores, such as negative numbers.