Dimensionality, responsiveness and standardization of the Bech-Rafaelsen Mania Scale in the ultra-short therapy with antipsychotics in patients with severe manic episodes

Objective: Typical antipsychotics have their indication in the ultra-short (first week) treatment of severe episodes of mania. In this setting the Bec h-Rafaelsen Mania Scale (MAS) was psychometrically compared with the Clinic al Global Impression scale (CGI) to assess its ability to measure response. Method: Ratings on patients with marked to severe mania (n = 80) who partic ipated in the clinical trials to evaluate the ultra-short antimanic effect of zuclopenthixol acetate were assessed. The MAS was analysed for internal validity (total score a sufficient statistic) and for external validity. Results: The MAS was shown to have a high internal validity showing onset o f action already after days of treatment. After 6 days of treatment 53% of the patients responded according to the MAS but only 30% according to the C GI. The difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: The MAS has been found to be a valid scale to measure early ons et of action and response in the ultra-short antimanic treatment with typic al antipsychotics.