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Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales
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About Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales
Scale Name
Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales
Author Details
Gillian Haddock, Jane McCarron, Nicholas Tarrier, and E. Brian Faragher
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales (PSYRATS), developed by Haddock et al. (1999), is a 17-item clinician-administered scale designed to assess the severity and dimensions of hallucinations and delusions in adults with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. Published in Psychological Medicine, the PSYRATS comprises two subscales: Auditory Hallucinations (11 items, e.g., frequency, distress, controllability) and Delusions (6 items, e.g., conviction, disruption, preoccupation). It provides a multidimensional assessment of psychotic symptoms, capturing subjective experiences and their impact, unlike unidimensional scales like the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale.
Clinicians rate items based on a semi-structured interview over the past week, using a 5-point ordinal scale (0 = “Absent” to 4 = “Severe”). Subscale scores range from 0–44 (Hallucinations) and 0–24 (Delusions), with higher scores indicating greater symptom severity. The PSYRATS was validated with 71 patients (mean age ≈ 35 years, ~60% male, UK-based, with schizophrenia or related disorders), showing strong differentiation of symptom profiles. It correlates with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS; r ≈ 0.50–0.70) and measures of distress (r ≈ 0.40–0.60). The scale is used in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and research to assess psychotic symptoms, monitor treatment response, and guide interventions, particularly for cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the scale from Haddock et al. (1999) or authorized sources (e.g., Psychological Medicine), ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (adults with psychotic disorders) that the clinician will assess hallucination and delusion experiences, emphasizing confidentiality and voluntary participation.
- Administer the 17-item scale via a semi-structured interview in a clinical setting, rating symptoms based on patient reports and observations over the past week.
- Estimated completion time is 15–20 minutes.
- Ensure a private, supportive environment; provide mental health resources (e.g., crisis hotlines) and adapt for accessibility (e.g., simplified language) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The PSYRATS demonstrates robust psychometric properties (Haddock et al., 1999; Drake et al., 2007). Internal consistency is high for both subscales: Auditory Hallucinations (Cronbach’s alpha ≈ 0.85–0.90) and Delusions (≈ 0.80–0.85), based on 71 patients. Inter-rater reliability is strong (r ≈ 0.80–0.95 for items, 0.90–0.95 for subscales). Test-retest reliability is moderate to high (r ≈ 0.70–0.85 over 1–2 weeks).
Convergent validity is supported by correlations with the PANSS positive symptom subscale (r ≈ 0.50–0.70) and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (r ≈ 0.40–0.60). Factorial validity confirms a two-factor structure (Hallucinations, Delusions). Criterion validity is evidenced by sensitivity to treatment changes and differentiation of symptom severity. The scale has been validated in diverse populations with psychosis. Pairing with measures like the PANSS or Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire enhances comprehensive assessment.
Available Versions
17-Items
Reference
Haddock, G., McCarron, J., Tarrier, N., & Faragher, E. B. (1999). Scales to measure dimensions of hallucinations and delusions: the psychotic symptom rating scales (PSYRATS). Psychological medicine, 29(4), 879-889.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scales measure?
It measures the severity and dimensions of auditory hallucinations and delusions in psychotic disorders.
Who is the target population?
Adults with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 15–20 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it assesses symptom severity to guide treatment, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy.
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