The Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATS): their usefulness and properties in first episode psychosis

Schizophr Res. 2007 Jan;89(1-3):119-22. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2006.04.024. Epub 2006 Nov 13.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability, validity and structure of the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATS) in 257 subjects presenting with acute first episodes of schizophrenia or related disorders. The PSYRATS have been shown to assess dimensions of hallucination and delusions reliably and validly in chronically psychotic patients but not in first episode patients. Item reliability was investigated and subscale performance compared to the PANSS. The PSYRATS had good inter-rater and retest reliability. Validity was good, as assessed by internal consistency, sensitivity to change, and in relation to the PANSS. There was evidence of two delusion factors and three for hallucinations. The scales are useful complements to existing measures of symptom severity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Delusions / diagnosis
  • Delusions / psychology
  • England
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hallucinations / diagnosis
  • Hallucinations / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Observer Variation
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Psychotic Disorders / therapy
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Schizophrenia / therapy
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*