Validity of self-administered symptom scales in clients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders

Hamera E.K.; Schneider J.K.; Potocky M.; Casebeer M.A.

School of Nursing, University Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA

Few studies have used self-administered symptom scales as outcome measures with individuals who have schizophrenia. However, with the increase in community-based treatment for the serious and persistently mentally ill and the emphasis on client empowerment, their ability to monitor and report symptoms needs to be assessed. Two forms of self-administered items, symptom distress statements and symptom intensity statements, were formed from 10 BPRS symptoms and administered to 29 individuals with schizophrenia. Both forms of self-administered items were highly correlated with BPRS items, supporting concurrent validity. Self-administered responses for positive symptoms of schizophrenia and nonpsychotic symptoms may be more valid than self-administered responses for negative or deficit symptoms.

Keywords: schizoaffective psychosis; schizophrenia; adult; article; clinical article; female; human; male; priority journal; rating scale; self report

SCHIZOPHR. RES. 19/2-3 (213-219) 1996