Three prototypical profiles of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS; Ov
erall & Gorham? 1962) were isolated using a Q-type factor-analytic strategy
with a sample of homeless men with mental illness (N=165). The 3 profiles-
depressed. actively psychotic, and withdrawn-were used to study changes in
BPRS profiles over time in a control group and a group that received assert
ive community treatment (ACT). Over 2 time periods (inception to 12 months
and 12-24 months), the 2 groups did not differ in terms of changes in profi
le shape, but they did differ in terms of changes in profile elevation. The
ACT group evidenced a decrease in symptom severity during the last 12 mont
hs, whereas the control group showed an increase. Although changes in profi
le shape in both groups did occur, there was a significant tendency for the
shape of the BPRS profiles to remain stable from the inception of the stud
y to the 12-month assessment and from that time to the 24-month assessment.
We describe the uses of these prototypical profiles and discuss the applic
ability of this analytical approach to other assessment instruments.