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Examination of the P ositive and N egative S yndrome S cale factor structure and longitudinal relationships with functioning in early psychosis
Author(s) -
Best Michael W.,
Grossman Michael,
Oyewumi L. Kola,
Bowie Christopher R.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
early intervention in psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.087
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1751-7893
pISSN - 1751-7885
DOI - 10.1111/eip.12190
Subject(s) - varimax rotation , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , psychosis , clinical psychology , global assessment of functioning , psychology , psychiatry , medicine , psychometrics , cronbach's alpha
Abstract Aim We examined the factor structure of the P ositive and N egative S yndrome S cale ( PANSS ) in early‐episode psychosis and its relationships with functioning at baseline and follow‐up. Methods A total of 240 consecutive admissions to an early intervention in psychosis clinic were assessed at intake to the program with the PANSS , Global Assessment of Functioning ( GAF ) and Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale ( SOFAS ). Seventy individuals were reassessed at follow‐up. A maximum likelihood factor analysis was conducted on baseline PANSS scores and the ability of each factor to predict baseline and follow‐up GAF and SOFAS was examined. Results A five‐factor model with varimax rotation was the best fit to our data and was largely congruent with factors found previously. The negative symptom factor was the best predictor of GAF and SOFAS at baseline and follow‐up. Conclusion Negative symptoms are the best symptomatic predictor of functioning in individuals with early psychosis and are an important treatment target to improve recovery.