Influence of Priming Effect on the Choice of Statements in the Beck Depression Inventory

Introduction A number of classical diagnostic questionnaires and rating scales are commonly used in clinical practice. However, certain effects may arise that negatively impact the evaluation of final results. One such phenomenon is known as the priming effect. This refers to the influence that repeated and sequential completion of a rating scale can have on a patient’s subsequent responses, potentially leading to distorted assessment outcomes. Therefore, a key objective of modern research in the field of clinical diagnostics of psycho-emotional states is the development of tools that remain neutral and do not alter patients’ mental and emotional states. Materials and Methods This study aimed to investigate the presence of a priming effect in patients completing the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-I). The study included 17 patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. These patients received a course of the drug EGb 761® original alongside standard antiparkinsonian therapy. The BDI-I questionnaire was administered at the beginning and at the end of the treatment period. The hypothesis of a priming effect was tested using statistical analysis of the questionnaire results. Results Total BDI-I scores from the first and second test administrations did not show a statistically significant difference. However, regression and correlation analyses revealed a marked increase in the total score as the questionnaire progressed. A trend was also identified showing a decrease in the frequency of “0” response options with the increasing item number. The Cochran-Armitage test demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the selection of neutral statements both before (p < 0.05) and after (p < 0.05) the experimental therapy. Conclusions This study demonstrated signs of a priming effect in patients completing the Beck Depression Inventory, highlighting the need for further research into methods for mitigating this phenomenon. A standard method for its removal is also offered.