Profile of Mood States

The Profile of Mood States (POMS) is a scale used to assess transient, distinct mood states. The questionnaire contains 65 words/statements that describe the feelings people have. It measures six different dimensions of mood swings over a period of time including tension or anxiety, anger or hostility, vigour or activity, fatigue or inertia, depression or dejection, confusion or bewilderment. Each item is marked on a five-point scale from “not at all” to “extremely.”

Find out more about Profile of Mood States

Alternative name
POMS

Active? Yes

First used: 01 January 1970

Related Papers

Debunking the myth of ‘Blue Mondays’: No evidence of affect drop after taking clinical MDMA
This open-label study (n=14) study assessed the decline in mood and cognition, also known as 'Blue Mondays,' that are believed to occur following MDMA use. The study assessed these side effects in participants being treated with MDMA (125mg followed by a 62.5mg dose 2hrs later) for alcohol use disorder (AUD). It was found participants maintained a positive mood during the week following the dosing session and suggests that the 'come downs' associated with MDMA may be associated with illicit sourcing of the substance and recreational use.

Pilot study of psilocybin treatment for anxiety in patients with advanced-stage cancer
This is the first (modern) double-blind placebo-controlled study (n=12) of psilocybin (14mg/70kg) for the treatment of (end-of-life) anxiety (and depression) related to cancer. Treatment led to a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms up to three months after treatment and improvements in depressive symptoms reached significance after six months.