Scales to measure dimensions of hallucinations and delusions: the psychotic symptom rating scales (PSYRATS)

Background. Scales to measure the severity of different dimensions of audit ory hallucinations and delusions are few. Biochemical and psychological tre atments target dimensions of symptoms and valid and reliable measures are n ecessary to measure these. Method. The inter-rater reliability and validity of the Psychotic Symptom R ating Scales (PSYRATS: auditory hallucination subscale and delusions subsca le), which measure several dimensions of auditory hallucinations and delusi ons were examined in this study. Results. The two scales were found to have excellent inter-rater reliabilit y. Their validity as compared with the KGV scale (Krawiecka et al, 1977) wa s explored. Conclusions. It is concluded that the PSYRATS are useful assessment instrum ents and can complement existing measures.