A self-rating scale for measuring neuroleptic side-effects. Validation in a group of schizophrenic patients.
BACKGROUND
A study was conducted to validate a comprehensive self-rating scale for measuring side-effects of neuroleptic drugs.


METHODS
The Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale (LUNSERS), which includes 'red herring' items, was twice administered to 50 DSM-III-R schizophrenic patients, who were also interviewed using the UKU side-effect rating scale; 50 unmedicated controls also completed the LUNSERS:


RESULTS
The test-retest reliability of the LUNSERS was good (r = 0.811, P < 0.001) as was its concurrent validity against the UKU (r = 0.828, P < 0.001). Scores correlated with chlorpromazine equivalent doses (r = 0.310, P < 0.02). ROC analysis demonstrated that the scale discriminated between patients and non-medicated controls, who scored differently for real side-effects but not for 'red herring' items.


CONCLUSIONS
The LUNSERS is an efficient, reliable and valid method of assessing neuroleptic side-effects.
Day
J C
JC
Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Liverpool.
Wood
G
G
Dewey
M
M
Bentall
R P
RP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012372:ROC Curve; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents