Direct assessment of functional abilities: relevance to persons with schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
To review functional outcome assessment strategies specifically focusing on performance-based measures used in patients with schizophrenia.


METHODS
In order to identify relevant performance-based measures of functioning we conducted a literature search using key words: functioning, disability, performance, situation, assessment, skills, scale, measurement, instrument, psychosis, and schizophrenia.


RESULTS
A description of each of eight measures was provided including assessment protocol, domains of functioning assessed, scoring, basic psychometric properties, appropriateness for clinical trials and likely sensitivity to pharmacologic interventions. Methods for assessment of functioning in patients with schizophrenia are reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
The measurement of functional capacity, through performance-based activities, provides a critical benchmark by which to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of medications in clinical trials to improve both cognition and capacity for everyday functioning in seriously mentally ill persons with schizophrenia. In order to comprehensively evaluate functional outcome, a combination of performance-based and other assessment modalities may be required.
McKibbin
Christine L
CL
University of California San Diego, VA San Diego Healthcare System, CA 92161, USA. cmckibbin@ucsd.edu
Brekke
John S
JS
Sires
Danielle
D
Jeste
Dilip V
DV
Patterson
Thomas L
TL
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents