Psychiatrists use various scales to help them assess how severe symptoms are and how you are improving once you are receiving treatment. Scales that you may come across, either in clinical practice or in clinical research trials, include:
Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS)
AIMS is used to measure involuntary movements in various parts of the body, which may be a side-effect of treatment with anti‑psychotic medicines37 or may be related to schizophrenia itself.38 You will be asked to perform a series of actions and observed for any involuntary movements. The AIMS test rates 12 items, each on a scale from none (0) to severe (4) involuntary movements.37
Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale (ESRS)
The ESRS is used to measure a range of treatment-induced movement disorders.39 You will be observed while performing a series of actions and body movements. You will also be asked to complete a questionnaire to record any movements that you have noticed yourself. Your family and friends can help with this process if you need it.39
Mental Status Examination/Mental State Examination (MSE)
The MSE is an interview-based assessment during which you will be asked a series of questions to assess your current mental state. Information is gathered on things such as your mood, the way you speak and your thought process/content, including any hallucinations or phobias.40 The interviewer will also ask questions to build a complete picture of your psychiatric, medical and surgical history, as well as your home life and relationships with your family.40
Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)
PANSS testing measures symptom changes41 at a given time. It involves having an interview and, based on this, you will be rated for 30 symptoms; each on a scale of one to seven.4142 It usually takes around an hour.42 PANSS ratings can inform clinical decisions, for example: before or after starting a new medication.42
Clinical Global Impression (CGI) – Improvement Scale
The Clinical Global Impression – Improvement Scale is a seven-point scale used to assess how your illness has improved or worsened, relative to the baseline score at the beginning of the treatment. The scale ranges from very much improved (1) to very much worse (7).43
Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale
The PSP scale looks at how well you are functioning in four main areas: socially useful activities (such as work and study), personal and social relationships, self-care, and disturbing and aggressive behaviors. The PSP is a 100-point single-item rating scale, sub-divided into ten equal intervals.44
