Component structure of the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) inpatients with recent-onset schizophrenia and spectrum disorders

Rationale: Earlier studies have examined the symptom dimensions of the PANS S (Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale) in patients with chronic schizophr enia. Results have suggested that three to eight component solutions best e xplain underlying symptom dimensions. Objectives: To examine the component structure of the PANSS and the MADRS (Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating S cale) in young patients with recent-onset schizophrenia and related disorde rs and the correlations between the components of both instruments. Methods : Symptomatology was measured in 138 patients with recent-onset schizophren ia, by administering the PANSS and the MADRS. Results: Principal component analysis of the PANSS revealed five components: a positive, negative, depre ssion, agitation-excitement and disorganisation component. The MADRS only s howed one component. A high correlation was found between the depression co mponent of the PANSS and the overall score of the MADRS (rho=0.87, P<0.001) . A moderate correlation was found between the PANSS negative component and the overall score of the MADRS (rho=0.51, P<0.001). Conclusions: The data suggest a five component structure of the PANSS. The depression component o f the PANSS seems to be a valid way of assessing depression in patients wit h recent-onset schizophrenia.