A dimensional and categorical approach to the symptomatology of recent-onset schizophrenia

Van Der Does A.J.W.; Linszen D.H.; Dingemans P.M.; Nugter M.A.; Scholte W.F.

Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University, Jelgersma Polikliniek, P.O. Box 1251, 2340 BG Oegstgesst, The Netherlands

Sixty-five patients with recent-onset schizophrenia were assessed with two widely used symptom scales, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale-Expanded (BPRS-E) and the Psychiatric Assessment Scale (Manchester scale). Principal components analysis of the BPRS-E scores yielded a four-dimensional structure: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, disorganization, and depression. With the Psychiatric Assessment Scale, three dimensions were found: the positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations) and disorganization (incoherence) appeared in one dimension. A categorical analysis resulted in predominantly positive, negative, and disorganized clusters, but more than half of the sample could not be allocated to any of these groups.

Keywords: schizophrenia; adolescent; adult; article; female; human; major clinical study; male; rating scale; symptomatology

J. NERV. MENT. DIS. 181/12 (744-749) 1993