SYMPTOM STRUCTURE IN SCHIZOPHRENIA - 2-FACTOR, 3-FACTOR OR 4-FACTOR MODELS

Beside the syndromic dichotomy (negative-positive), other symptomatic dimensions have been described in schizophrenia. A question of interes t is, therefore, to know which symptom structures can be individualize d to characterize schizophrenia. Using confirmatory factor analysis in 135 patients, a two-factor model (negative-positive), a three-factor model (negative-positive-disorganization) and a four-factor model (neg ative-positive-disorganization-relational) were primarily identified w ith SANS (Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms) and SAPS (Sca le for the assessment of Positive Symptoms). In contrast, no models co uld be identified with PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale). T he results confirm the relevance of other syndrome dimensions, beside the negative and positive ones and suggest that SANS-SAPS was more use ful than PANSS in identifying an adequate dimensional factor structure of schizophrenic symptoms.