Validation of the Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32) in a nonclinical sample of German adolescents

We tested the psychometric properties of the Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32) in a sample of nonclinical adolescents, examined the association with current psychopathology, and tested if hypomanic adolescents differ from other participants regarding HCL-scores and psychopathology. A total of 294 students completed the HCL-32 and the SDQ, a screening for psychopathology. In adolescence, the internal structure of hypomania seems to be represented by a triple structure. The first factor active-elated is an indicator of symptoms related to energy and activity. The adult factor irritable-risk taking is better reflected by two separate factors (disinhibited/stimulation-seeking and irritable-erratic). These factors were associated with externalizing problems. Hypomanic adolescents showed higher HCL total and disinhibited/stimulation-seeking scores and reported more conduct problems than non-hypomanic youngsters. The internal structure of the HCL in adolescents mirrors the association of juvenile bipolarity with substance use and symptoms of ADHD and conduct disorder and presents preliminary evidence for its validity. (C) 2009 The Association for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.