Computerized self-assessment of psychosis severity questionnaire [COSAPSQ]in schizophrenia: Preliminary results

We attempted to develop and validate a computer-driven patient self-rated q uestionnaire [COSAPSQ] which should provide a reliable, rapid, and inexpens ive method to assess symptom severity in patients with psychosis in general and with schizophrenia in particular. After giving informed consent patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia or schizoa ffective disorder were interviewed and rated on PANSS and CGI. Subsequently patients completed the COSAPSQ questionnaire (61 multiple choice questions ) in the presence of an observer. The analysis of the first 29 rating sets showed that patients with CGI scor es of 3-6 completed the questionnaire in a mean time of 21.6 minutes. One-w ay analysis of variance of COSAPSQ total scores by CGI ratings was highly s ignificant (p<.001). COSAPSQ total scores correlated well with PANSS total, general, and positiv e scores and with CGI (all r=.6-.7; p<.005). The next versions of the quest ionnaire will require some adjustments: overall fewer questions, improved a ssessment of negative symptoms, and improved graphic presentation.