title: The multidimensional measurement of the positive symptoms of psychosis.
abstract: The measures most frequently used to assess psychotic symptoms fail to reflect important dimensions. The Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale (PSYRATS) aims to capture the multidimensional nature of auditory hallucinations and delusions. Individuals (N = 276) who had recently relapsed with positive symptoms completed the auditory hallucinations and delusions PSYRATS scales. These scores were compared with the relevant items from the SAPS and PANSS, and with measures of current mood. Total scores and distribution of items of the PSYRATS scales are presented and correlated with other measures. Positive symptom items from the SAPS and PANSS reflected the more objective aspects of PSYRATS ratings of auditory hallucinations and delusions (frequency and conviction) but were relatively poor at measuring distress. A major strength of the PSYRATS scales is the specific measurement of the distress dimension of symptoms, which is a key target of psychological intervention. It is advised that the PSYRATS should not be used as a total score alone, whilst further research is needed to clarify the best use of potential subscales.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, De Crespigny Park, London, UK. C.Steel@iop.kcl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Steel
authors.forename: Philippa A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Garety
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Craig
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kuipers
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bebbington
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fowler
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dunn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology