Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) Instructions
User Manual: Pdf
Open the PDF directly: View PDF 
.
Page Count: 18
Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)
Expanded Version (4.0)
Introduction
This section reproduces an interview schedule, symptom definitions, and specific anchor
points for rating symptoms on the BPRS. Clinicians intending to use the BPRS should
also consult the detailed guidelines for administration contained in the reference below.
Scale Items and Anchor Points
Rate items 1-14 on the basis of individual's self-report. Note items 7, 12 and 13 are also
rated on the basis of observed behaviour. Items 15-24 are rated on the basis of
observed behaviour and speech.
1. Somatic Concern
Degree of concern over present bodily health. Rate the degree to which physical health
is perceived as a problem by the individual, whether complaints have realistic bases or
not. Somatic delusions should be rated in the severe range with or without somatic
concern. Note: be sure to assess the degree of impairment due to somatic concerns only
and not other symptoms, e.g., depression. In addition, if the individual rates 6 or 7 due to
somatic delusions, then you must rate Unusual Thought Content at least 4 or above.
2 Very mild Occasional somatic concerns that tend to be kept to self.
3 Mild Occasional somatic concerns that tend to be voiced to others (e.g., family,
doctor).
4 Moderate Frequent expressions of somatic concern or exaggerations of existing ills
OR some preoccupation, but no impairment in functioning. Not delusional.
5 Moderately severe Frequent expressions of somatic concern or exaggerations of
existing ills OR some preoccupation and moderate impairment of functioning. Not
delusional.
6 Severe Preoccupation with somatic complaints with much impairment in functioning
OR somatic delusions without acting on them or disclosing to others.
7 Extremely severe Preoccupation with somatic complaints with severe impairment in
functioning OR somatic delusions that tend to be acted on or disclosed to others.
"Have you been concerned about your physical health?" "Have you had any physical
illness or seen a medical doctor lately? (What does your doctor say is wrong? How
serious is it?)"
"Has anything changed regarding your appearance?"
"Has it interfered with your ability to perform your usual activities and/or work?"
"Did you ever feel that parts of your body had changed or stopped working?"
[If individual reports any somatic concerns/delusions, ask the following]:
"How often are you concerned about [use individual's description]?"
"Have you expressed any of these concerns to others?"
2. Anxiety
Reported apprehension, tension, fear, panic or worry. Rate only the individual's
statements - not observed anxiety which is rated under Tension.
2 Very mild Reports some discomfort due to worry OR infrequent worries that occur
more than usual for most normal individuals.
3 Mild Worried frequently but can readily turn attention to other things.
4 Moderate Worried most of the time and cannot turn attention to other things easily but
no impairment in functioning OR occasional anxiety with autonomic accompaniment but
no impairment in functioning.
5 Moderately Severe Frequent, but not daily, periods of anxiety with autonomic
accompaniment OR some areas of functioning are disrupted by anxiety or worry.
6 Severe Anxiety with autonomic accompaniment daily but not persisting throughout the
day OR many areas of functioning are disrupted by anxiety or constant worry.
7 Extremely Severe Anxiety with autonomic accompaniment persisting throughout the
day OR most areas of functioning are disrupted by anxiety or constant worry.
"Have you been worried a lot during [mention time frame]? Have you been nervous or
apprehensive? (What do you worry about?)"
"Are you concerned about anything? How about finances or the future?"
"When you are feeling nervous, do your palms sweat or does your heart beat fast (or
shortness of breath, trembling, choking)?"
[If individual reports anxiety or autonomic accompaniment, ask the following]:
"How much of the time have you been [use individual's description]?"
"Has it interfered with your ability to perform your usual activities/work?"
3. Depression
Include sadness, unhappiness, anhedonia and preoccupation with depressing topics
(can't attend to TV or conversations due to depression), hopeless, loss of self-esteem
(dissatisfied or disgusted with self or feelings of worthlessness). Do not include
vegetative symptoms, e.g., motor retardation, early waking or the amotivation that
accompanies the deficit syndrome.
2 Very mild Occasionally feels sad, unhappy or depressed.
3 Mild Frequently feels sad or unhappy but can readily turn attention to other things.
4 Moderate Frequent periods of feeling very sad, unhappy, moderately depressed, but
able to function with extra effort.
5 Moderately Severe Frequent, but not daily, periods of deep depression OR some
areas of functioning are disrupted by depression.
6 Severe Deeply depressed daily but not persisting throughout the day OR many areas
of functioning are disrupted by depression.
7 Extremely Severe Deeply depressed daily OR most areas of functioning are disrupted
by depression.
"How has your mood been recently? Have you felt depressed (sad, down, unhappy, as if
you didn't care)?"
"Are you able to switch your attention to more pleasant topics when you want to?"
"Do you find that you have lost interest in or get less pleasure from things you used to
enjoy, like family, friends, hobbies, watching TV, eating?"
[If individual reports feelings of depression, ask the following]:
"How long do these feelings last?" "Has it interfered with your ability to perform your
usual activities?"
4. Suicidality
Expressed desire, intent, or actions to harm or kill self.
2 Very mild Occasional feelings of being tired of living. No overt suicidal thoughts.
3 Mild Occasional suicidal thoughts without intent or specific plan OR he/she feels they
would be better off dead.
4 Moderate Suicidal thoughts frequent without intent or plan.
5 Moderately Severe Many fantasies of suicide by various methods. May seriously
consider making an attempt with specific time and plan OR impulsive suicide attempt
using non-lethal method or in full view of potential saviours.
6 Severe Clearly wants to kill self. Searches for appropriate means and time, OR
potentially serious suicide attempt with individual knowledge of possible rescue.
7 Extremely Severe Specific suicidal plan and intent (e.g., "as soon as ________ I will
do it by doing X"), OR suicide attempt characterised by plan individual thought was lethal
or attempt in secluded environment.
"Have you felt that life wasn't worth living? Have you thought about harming or killing
yourself? Have you felt tired of living or as though you would be better off dead? Have
you ever felt like ending it all?"
[If individual reports suicidal ideation, ask the following]:
"How often have you thought about [use individual's description]?"
"Did you (Do you) have a specific plan?"
5. Guilt
Overconcern or remorse for past behaviour. Rate only individual's statements, do not
infer guilt feelings from depression, anxiety, or neurotic defences. Note: if the individual
rates 6 or 7 due to delusions of guilt, then you must rate Unusual Thought Content at
least 4 or above, depending on level of preoccupation and impairment.
2 Very mild Concerned about having failed someone, or at something, but not
preoccupied. Can shift thoughts to other matters easily.
3 Mild Concerned about having failed someone, or at something, with some
preoccupation. Tends to voice guilt to others.
4 Moderate Disproportionate preoccupation with guilt, having done wrong, injured others
by doing or failing to do something, but can readily turn attention to other things.
5 Moderately Severe Preoccupation with guilt, having failed someone or at something,
can turn attention to other things, but only with great effort. Not delusional.
6 Severe Delusional guilt OR unreasonable self-reproach very out of proportion to
circumstances. Moderate preoccupation present.
7 Extremely Severe Delusional guilt OR unreasonable self-reproach grossly out of
proportion to circumstances. Individual is very preoccupied with guilt and is likely to
disclose to others or act on delusions.
"Is there anything you feel guilty about? Have you been thinking about past problems?"
"Do you tend to blame yourself for things that have happened?"
"Have you done anything you're still ashamed of?"
[If individual reports guilt/remorse/delusions, ask the following]:
"How often have you been thinking about [use individual's description]?"
"Have you disclosed your feelings of guilt to others?"
6. Hostility
Animosity, contempt, belligerence, threats, arguments, tantrums, property destruction,
fights, and any other expression of hostile attitudes or actions. Do not infer hostility from
neurotic defences, anxiety or somatic complaints. Do not include incidents of appropriate
anger or obvious self-defence.
2 Very mild Irritable or grumpy, but not overtly expressed.
3 Mild Argumentative or sarcastic.
4 Moderate Overtly angry on several occasions OR yelled at others excessively.
5 Moderately Severe Has threatened, slammed about or thrown things.
6 Severe Has assaulted others but with no harm likely, e.g., slapped or pushed, OR
destroyed property, e.g., knocked over furniture, broken windows.
7 Extremely Severe Has attacked others with definite possibility of harming them or with
actual harm, e.g., assault with hammer or weapon.
"How have you been getting along with people (family, co-workers, etc.)?"
"Have you been irritable or grumpy lately? (How do you show it? Do you keep it to
yourself?"
"Were you ever so irritable that you would shout at people or start fights or arguments?
(Have you found yourself yelling at people you didn't know?)"
"Have you hit anyone recently?"
7. Elevated Mood
A pervasive, sustained and exaggerated feeling of well-being, cheerfulness, euphoria
(implying a pathological mood), optimism that is out of proportion to the circumstances.
Do not infer elation from increased activity or from grandiose statements alone.
2 Very mild Seems to be very happy, cheerful without much reason.
3 Mild Some unaccountable feelings of well-being that persist.
4 Moderate Reports excessive or unrealistic feelings of well-being, cheerfulness,
confidence or optimism inappropriate to circumstances, some of the time. May frequently
joke, smile, be giddy, or overly enthusiastic OR few instances of marked elevated mood
with euphoria.
5 Moderately Severe Reports excessive or unrealistic feelings of well-being, confidence
or optimism inappropriate to circumstances, much of the time. May describe feeling `on
top of the world', `like everything is falling into place', or `better than ever before', OR
several instances of marked elevated mood with euphoria.
6 Severe Reports many instances of marked elevated mood with euphoria OR mood
definitely elevated almost constantly throughout interview and inappropriate to content.
7 Extremely Severe Individual reports being elated or appears almost intoxicated,
laughing, joking, giggling, constantly euphoric, feeling invulnerable, all inappropriate to
immediate circumstances.
"Have you felt so good or high that other people thought that you were not your normal
self?" "Have you been feeling cheerful and `on top of the world' without any reason?"
[If individual reports elevated mood/euphoria, ask the following]:
"Did it seem like more than just feeling good?"
"How long did that last?"
8. Grandiosity
Exaggerated self-opinion, self-enhancing conviction of special abilities or powers or
identity as someone rich or famous. Rate only individual's statements about himself, not
his/her demeanour. Note: if the individual rates 6 or 7 due to grandiose delusions, you
must rate Unusual Thought Content at least 4 or above.
2 Very mild Feels great and denies obvious problems, but not unrealistic.
3 Mild Exaggerated self-opinion beyond abilities and training.
4 Moderate Inappropriate boastfulness, e.g., claims to be brilliant, insightful or gifted
beyond realistic proportions, but rarely self-discloses or acts on these inflated self-
concepts. Does not claim that grandiose accomplishments have actually occurred.
5 Moderately Severe Same as 4 but often self-discloses and acts on these grandiose
ideas. May have doubts about the reality of the grandiose ideas. Not delusional.
6 Severe Delusional - claims to have special powers like ESP, to have millions of
dollars, invented new machines, worked at jobs when it is known that he/she was never
employed in these capacities, be Jesus Christ, or the Prime Minister. Individual may not
be very preoccupied.
7 Extremely Severe Delusional - same as 6 but individual seems very preoccupied and
tends to disclose or act on grandiose delusions.
"Is there anything special about you? Do you have any special abilities or powers? Have
you thought that you might be somebody rich or famous?"
[If the individual reports any grandiose ideas/delusions, ask the following]:
"How often have you been thinking about [use individuals description]? Have you told
anyone about what you have been thinking? Have you acted on any of these ideas?"
9. Suspiciousness
Expressed or apparent belief that other persons have acted maliciously or with
discriminatory intent. Include persecution by supernatural or other non-human agencies
(e.g., the devil). Note: ratings of 3 or above should also be rated under Unusual Thought
Content.
2 Very mild Seems on guard. Reluctant to respond to some `personal' questions.
Reports being overly self-conscious in public.
3 Mild Describes incidents in which others have harmed or wanted to harm him/her that
sound plausible. Individual feels as if others are watching, laughing or criticising him/her
in public, but this occurs only occasionally or rarely. Little or no preoccupation.
4 Moderate Says other persons are talking about him/her maliciously, have negative
intentions or may harm him/her. Beyond the likelihood of plausibility, but not delusional.
Incidents of suspected persecution occur occasionally (less than once per week) with
some preoccupation.
5 Moderately Severe Same as 4, but incidents occur frequently, such as more than
once per week. Individual is moderately preoccupied with ideas of persecution OR
individual reports persecutory delusions expressed with much doubt (e.g., partial
delusion).
6 Severe Delusional - speaks of Mafia plots, the FBI or others poisoning his/her food,
persecution by supernatural forces.
7 Extremely Severe Same as 6, but the beliefs are bizarre or more preoccupying.
Individual tends to disclose or act on persecutory delusions.
"Do you ever feel uncomfortable in public? Does it seem as though others are watching
you? Are you concerned about anyone's intentions toward you? Is anyone going out of
their way to give you a hard time, or trying to hurt you? Do you feel in any danger?"
[If individual reports any persecutory ideas/delusions, ask the following]:
"How often have you been concerned that [use individual's description]? Have you told
anyone about these experiences?"
10. Hallucinations
Reports of perceptual experiences in the absence of relevant external stimuli. When
rating degree to which functioning is disrupted by hallucinations, include preoccupation
with the content and experience of the hallucinations, as well as functioning disrupted by
acting out on the hallucinatory content (e.g., engaging in deviant behaviour due to
command hallucinations). Include thoughts aloud (`gedenkenlautwerden') or
pseudohallucinations (e.g., hears a voice inside head) if a voice quality is present.
2 Very mild While resting or going to sleep, sees visions, smells odours or hears voices,
sounds, or whispers in the absence of external stimulation, but no impairment in
functioning.
3 Mild While in a clear state of consciousness, hears a voice calling the individual's
name, experiences non-verbal auditory hallucinations (e.g., sounds or whispers),
formless visual hallucinations or has sensory experiences in the presence of a modality-
relevant stimulus (e.g., visual illusions) infrequently (e.g., 1-2 times per week) and with
no functional impairment.
4 Moderate Occasional verbal, visual, gustatory, olfactory or tactile hallucinations with
no functional impairment OR non-verbal auditory hallucinations/visual illusions more
than infrequently or with impairment.
5 Moderately Severe Experiences daily hallucinations OR some areas of functioning
are disrupted by hallucinations.
6 Severe Experiences verbal or visual hallucinations several times a day OR many
areas of functioning are disrupted by these hallucinations.
7 Extremely Severe Persistent verbal or visual hallucinations throughout the day OR
most areas of functioning are disrupted by these hallucinations.
"Do you ever seem to hear your name being called?"
"Have you heard any sounds or people talking to you or about you when there has been
nobody around?
[If hears voices]:
"What does the voice/voices say? Did it have a voice quality?"
"Do you ever have visions or see things that others do not see? What about smell
odours that others do not smell?"
[If the individual reports hallucinations, ask the following]:
"Have these experiences interfered with your ability to perform your usual
activities/work? How do you explain them? How often do they occur?"
11. Unusual thought content
Unusual, odd, strange, or bizarre thought content. Rate the degree of unusualness, not
the degree of disorganisation of speech. Delusions are patently absurd, clearly false or
bizarre ideas that are expressed with full conviction. Consider the individual to have full
conviction if he/she has acted as though the delusional belief was true. Ideas of
reference/persecution can be differentiated from delusions in that ideas are expressed
with much doubt and contain more elements of reality. Include thought insertion,
withdrawal and broadcast. Include grandiose, somatic and persecutory delusions even if
rated elsewhere. Note: if Somatic Concern, Guilt, Suspiciousness or Grandiosity are
rated 6 or 7 due to delusions, then Unusual Thought Content must be rated 4 or above.
2 Very mild Ideas of reference (people may stare or may laugh at him), ideas of
persecution (people may mistreat him). Unusual beliefs in psychic powers, spirits, UFOs,
or unrealistic beliefs in one's own abilities. Not strongly held. Some doubt.
3 Mild Same as 2, but degree of reality distortion is more severe as indicated by highly
unusual ideas or greater conviction. Content may be typical of delusions (even bizarre),
but without full conviction. The delusion does not seem to have fully formed, but is
considered as one possible explanation for an unusual experience.
4 Moderate Delusion present but no preoccupation or functional impairment. May be an
encapsulated delusion or a firmly endorsed absurd belief about past delusional
circumstances.
5 Moderately Severe Full delusion(s) present with some preoccupation OR some areas
of functioning disrupted by delusional thinking.
6 Severe Full delusion(s) present with much preoccupation OR many areas of
functioning are disrupted by delusional thinking.
7 Extremely Severe Full delusion(s) present with almost total preoccupation OR most
areas of functioning disrupted by delusional thinking.
"Have you been receiving any special messages from people or from the way things are
arranged around you? Have you seen any references to yourself on TV or in the
newspapers?"
"Can anyone read your mind?"
"Do you have a special relationship with God?"
"Is anything like electricity, X-rays, or radio waves affecting you?"
"Are thoughts put into your head that are not your own?"
"Have you felt that you were under the control of another person or force?"
[If individual reports any odd ideas/delusions, ask the following]:
"How often do you think about [use individual's description]?"
"Have you told anyone about these experiences? How do you explain the things that
have been happening [specify]?"
Rate items 12-13 on the basis of individual's self-report and observed behaviour.
12. Bizarre behaviour
Reports of behaviours which are odd, unusual, or psychotically criminal. Not limited to
interview period. Include inappropriate sexual behaviour and inappropriate affect.
2 Very mild Slightly odd or eccentric public behaviour, e.g., occasionally giggles to self,
fails to make appropriate eye contact, that does not seem to attract the attention of
others OR unusual behaviour conducted in private, e.g., innocuous rituals, that would
not attract the attention of others.
3 Mild Noticeably peculiar public behaviour, e.g., inappropriately loud talking, makes
inappropriate eye contact, OR private behaviour that occasionally, but not always,
attracts the attention of others, e.g., hoards food, conducts unusual rituals, wears gloves
indoors.
4 Moderate Clearly bizarre behaviour that attracts or would attract (if done privately) the
attention or concern of others, but with no corrective intervention necessary. Behaviour
occurs occasionally, e.g., fixated staring into space for several minutes, talks back to
voices once, inappropriate giggling/laughter on 1-2 occasions, talking loudly to self.
5 Moderately Severe Clearly bizarre behaviour that attracts or would attract (if done
privately) the attention of others or the authorities, e.g., fixated staring in a socially
disruptive way, frequent inappropriate giggling/laughter, occasionally responds to voices,
or eats non-foods.
6 Severe Bizarre behaviour that attracts attention of others and intervention by
authorities, e.g., directing traffic, public nudity, staring into space for long periods,
carrying on a conversation with hallucinations, frequent inappropriate giggling/laughter.
7 Extremely Severe Serious crimes committed in a bizarre way that attract the attention
of others and the control of authorities, e.g., sets fires and stares at flames OR almost
constant bizarre behaviour, e.g., inappropriate giggling/laughter, responds only to
hallucinations and cannot be engaged in interaction.
"Have you done anything that has attracted the attention of others?"
"Have you done anything that could have gotten you into trouble with the police?"
"Have you done anything that seemed unusual or disturbing to others?"
13. Self-neglect
Hygiene, appearance, or eating behaviour below usual expectations, below socially
acceptable standards or life threatening.
2 Very mild Hygiene/appearance slightly below usual community standards, e.g., shirt
out of pants, buttons unbuttoned, shoe laces untied, but no social or medical
consequences.
3 Mild Hygiene/appearance occasionally below usual community standards, e.g.,
irregular bathing, clothing is stained, hair uncombed, occasionally skips an important
meal. No social or medical consequences.
4 Moderate Hygiene/appearance is noticeably below usual community standards, e.g.,
fails to bathe or change clothes, clothing very soiled, hair unkempt, needs prompting,
noticeable by others OR irregular eating and drinking with minimal medical concerns and
consequences.
5 Moderately Severe Several areas of hygiene/appearance are below usual community
standards OR poor grooming draws criticism by others and requires regular prompting.
Eating or hydration are irregular and poor, causing some medical problems.
6 Severe Many areas of hygiene/appearance are below usual community standards,
does not always bathe or change clothes even if prompted. Poor grooming has caused
social ostracism at school/residence/work, or required intervention. Eating erratic and
poor, may require medical intervention.
7 Extremely Severe Most areas of hygiene/appearance/nutrition are extremely poor and
easily noticed as below usual community standards OR hygiene/appearance/nutrition
require urgent and immediate medical intervention.
"How has your grooming been lately? How often do you change your clothes? How often
do you take showers? Has anyone (parents/staff) complained about your grooming or
dress? Do you eat regular meals?"
14. Disorientation
Does not comprehend situations or communications, such as questions asked during the
entire BPRS interview. Confusion regarding person, place, or time. Do not rate if
incorrect responses are due to delusions.
2 Very mild Seems muddled or mildly confused 1-2 times during interview. Oriented to
person, place and time.
3 Mild Occasionally muddled or mildly confused 3-4 times during interview. Minor
inaccuracies in person, place, or time, e.g., date off by more than 2 days, or gives wrong
division of hospital or community centre.
4 Moderate Frequently confused during interview. Minor inaccuracies in person, place,
or time are noted, as in 3 above. In addition, may have difficulty remembering general
information, e.g., name of Prime Minister.
5 Moderately Severe Markedly confused during interview, or to person, place, or time.
Significant inaccuracies are noted, e.g., date off by more than one week, or cannot give
correct name of hospital. Has difficulty remembering personal information, e.g., where
he/she was born or recognising familiar people.
6 Severe Disoriented as to person, place, or time, e.g., cannot give correct month and
year. Disoriented in 2 out of 3 spheres.
7 Extremely Severe Grossly disoriented as to person, place, or time, e.g., cannot give
name or age. Disoriented in all three spheres.
"May I ask you some standard questions we ask everybody?"
"How old are you? What is the date [allow 2 days]"
"What is this place called? What year were you born? Who is the Prime Minister?"
Rate items 15-24 on the basis of observed behaviour and speech.
15 Conceptual disorganisation
Degree to which speech is confused, disconnected, vague or disorganised. Rate
tangentiality, circumstantiality, sudden topic shifts, incoherence, derailment, blocking,
neologisms, and other speech disorders. Do not rate content of speech.
2 Very mild Peculiar use of words or rambling but speech is comprehensible.
3 Mild Speech a bit hard to understand or make sense of due to tangentiality,
circumstantiality, or sudden topic shifts.
4 Moderate Speech difficult to understand due to tangentiality, circumstantiality,
idiosyncratic speech, or topic shifts on many occasions OR 1-2 instances of incoherent
phrases.
5 Moderately Severe Speech difficult to understand due to circumstantiality,
tangentiality, neologisms, blocking or topic shifts most of the time, OR 3-5 instances of
incoherent phrases.
6 Severe Speech is incomprehensible due to severe impairment most of the time. Many
BPRS items cannot be rated by self-report alone.
7 Extremely Severe Speech is incomprehensible throughout interview.
16. Blunted affect
Restricted range in emotional expressiveness of face, voice, and gestures. Marked
indifference or flatness even when discussing distressing topics. In the case of euphoric
or dysphoric individuals, rate Blunted Affect if a flat quality is also clearly present.
2 Very mild Emotional range is slightly subdued or reserved but displays appropriate
facial expressions and tone of voice that are within normal limits.
3 Mild Emotional range overall is diminished, subdued or reserved, without many
spontaneous and appropriate emotional responses. Voice tone is slightly monotonous.
4 Moderate Emotional range is noticeably diminished, individual doesn't show emotion,
smile or react to distressing topics except infrequently. Voice tone is monotonous or
there is noticeable decrease in spontaneous movements. Displays of emotion or
gestures are usually followed by a return to flattened affect.
5 Moderately Severe Emotional range very diminished, individual doesn't show
emotion, smile, or react to distressing topics except minimally, few gestures, facial
expression does not change very often. Voice tone is monotonous much of the time.
6 Severe Very little emotional range or expression. Mechanical in speech and gestures
most of the time. Unchanging facial expression. Voice tone is monotonous most of the
time.
7 Extremely Severe Virtually no emotional range or expressiveness, stiff movements.
Voice tone is monotonous all of the time.
Use the following probes at end of interview to assess emotional responsivity:
"Have you heard any good jokes lately? Would you like to hear a joke?"
17. Emotional withdrawal
Deficiency in individual's ability to relate emotionally during interview situation. Use your
own feeling as to the presence of an `invisible barrier' between individual and
interviewer. Include withdrawal apparently due to psychotic processes.
2 Very mild Lack of emotional involvement shown by occasional failure to make
reciprocal comments, appearing preoccupied, or smiling in a stilted manner, but
spontaneously engages the interviewer most of the time.
3 Mild Lack of emotional involvement shown by noticeable failure to make reciprocal
comments, appearing preoccupied, or lacking in warmth, but responds to interviewer
when approached.
4 Moderate Emotional contact not present much of the interview because individual
does not elaborate responses, fails to make eye contact, doesn't seem to care if
interviewer is listening, or may be preoccupied with psychotic material.
5 Moderately Severe Same as 4 but emotional contact not present most of the
interview.
6 Severe Actively avoids emotional participation. Frequently unresponsive or responds
with yes/no answers (not solely due to persecutory delusions). Responds with only
minimal affect.
7 Extremely Severe Consistently avoids emotional participation. Unresponsive or
responds with yes/no answers (not solely due to persecutory delusions). May leave
during interview or just not respond at all.
18. Motor retardation
Reduction in energy level evidenced by slowed movements and speech, reduced body
tone, decreased number of spontaneous body movements. Rate on the basis of
observed behaviour of the individual only. Do not rate on the basis of individual's
subjective impression of his own energy level. Rate regardless of medication effects.
2 Very mild Slightly slowed or reduced movements or speech compared to most people.
3 Mild Noticeably slowed or reduced movements or speech compared to most people.
4 Moderate Large reduction or slowness in movements or speech.
5 Moderately Severe Seldom moves or speaks spontaneously OR very mechanical or
stiff movements
6 Severe Does not move or speak unless prodded or urged.
7 Extremely Severe Frozen, catatonic.
19. Tension
Observable physical and motor manifestations of tension, `nervousness' and agitation.
Self-reported experiences of tension should be rated under the item on anxiety. Do not
rate if restlessness is solely akathisia, but do rate if akathisia is exacerbated by tension.
2 Very mild More fidgety than most but within normal range. A few transient signs of
tension, e.g., picking at fingernails, foot wagging, scratching scalp several times or finger
tapping.
3 Mild Same as 2, but with more frequent or exaggerated signs of tension.
4 Moderate Many and frequent signs of motor tension with one or more signs
sometimes occurring simultaneously, e.g., wagging one's foot while wringing hands
together. There are times when no signs of tension are present.
5 Moderately Severe Many and frequent signs of motor tension with one or more signs
often occurring simultaneously. There are still rare times when no signs of tension are
present.
6 Severe Same as 5, but signs of tension are continuous.
7 Extremely Severe Multiple motor manifestations of tension are continuously present,
e.g., continuous pacing and hand wringing.
20. Unco-operativeness
Resistance and lack of willingness to co-operate with the interview. The unco-
operativeness might result from suspiciousness. Rate only unco-operativeness in
relation to the interview, not behaviours involving peers and relatives.
2 Very mild Shows non-verbal signs of reluctance, but does not complain or argue.
3 Mild Gripes or tries to avoid complying, but goes ahead without argument.
4 Moderate Verbally resists but eventually complies after questions are rephrased or
repeated.
5 Moderately Severe Same as 4, but some information necessary for accurate ratings
is withheld.
6 Severe Refuses to co-operate with interview, but remains in interview situation.
7 Extremely Severe Same as 6, with active efforts to escape the interview
21. Excitement
Heightened emotional tone or increased emotional reactivity to interviewer or topics
being discussed, as evidenced by increased intensity of facial expressions, voice tone,
expressive gestures or increase in speech quantity and speed.
2 Very mild Subtle and fleeting or questionable increase in emotional intensity. For
example, at times seems keyed-up or overly alert.
3 Mild Subtle but persistent increase in emotional intensity. For example, lively use of
gestures and variation in voice tone.
4 Moderate Definite but occasional increase in emotional intensity. For example, reacts
to interviewer or topics that are discussed with noticeable emotional intensity. Some
pressured speech.
5 Moderately Severe Definite and persistent increase in emotional intensity. For
example, reacts to many stimuli, whether relevant or not, with considerable emotional
intensity. Frequent pressured speech.
6 Severe Marked increase in emotional intensity. For example, reacts to most stimuli
with inappropriate emotional intensity. Has difficulty settling down or staying on task.
Often restless, impulsive, or speech is often pressured.
7 Extremely Severe Marked and persistent increase in emotional intensity. Reacts to all
stimuli with inappropriate intensity, impulsiveness. Cannot settle down or stay on task.
Very restless and impulsive most of the time. Constant pressured speech.
22. Distractibility
Degree to which observed sequences of speech and actions are interrupted by stimuli
unrelated to the interview. Distractibility is rated when the individual shows a change in
the focus of attention as characterised by a pause in speech or a marked shift in gaze.
Individual's attention may be drawn to noise in adjoining room, books on a shelf,
interviewer's clothing, etc. Do not rate circumstantiality, tangentiality or flight of ideas.
Also, do not rate rumination with delusional material. Rate even if the distracting stimulus
cannot be identified.
2 Very mild Generally can focus on interviewer's questions with only 1 distraction or
inappropriate shift of attention of brief duration.
3 Mild Individual shifts focus of attention to matters unrelated to the interview 2-3 times.
4 Moderate Often responsive to irrelevant stimuli in the room, e.g., averts gaze from the
interviewer.
5 Moderately Severe Same as above, but now distractibility clearly interferes with the
flow of the interview.
6 Severe Extremely difficult to conduct interview or pursue a topic due to preoccupation
with irrelevant stimuli.
7 Extremely Severe Impossible to conduct interview due to preoccupation with
irrelevant stimuli.
23. Motor hyperactivity
Increase in energy level evidenced in more frequent movement and/or rapid speech. Do
not rate if restlessness is due to akathisia.
2 Very mild Some restlessness, difficulty sitting still, lively facial expressions, or
somewhat talkative
3 Mild Occasionally very restless, definite increase in motor activity, lively gestures, 1-3
brief instances of pressured speech.
4 Moderate Very restless, fidgety, excessive facial expressions, or non-productive and
repetitious motor movements. Much pressured speech, up to one-third of the interview.
5 Moderately Severe Frequently restless, fidgety. Many instances of excessive non-
productive and repetitious motor movements. On the move most of the time. Frequent
pressured speech, difficult to interrupt. Rises on 1-2 occasions to pace.
6 Severe Excessive motor activity, restlessness, fidgety, loud tapping, noisy, etc.,
throughout most of the interview. Speech can only be interrupted with much effort. Rises
on 3-4 occasions to pace.
7 Extremely Severe Constant excessive motor activity throughout entire interview, e.g.,
constant pacing, constant pressured speech with no pauses, individual can only be
interrupted briefly and only small amounts of relevant information can be obtained
24. Mannerisms and posturing
Unusual and bizarre behaviour, stylised movements or acts, or any postures which are
clearly uncomfortable or inappropriate. Exclude obvious manifestations of medication
side effects. Do not include nervous mannerisms that are not odd or unusual.
2 Very mild Eccentric or odd mannerisms or activity that ordinary persons would have
difficulty explaining, e.g., grimacing, picking. Observed once for a brief period.
3 Mild Same as 2, but occurring on two occasions of brief duration.
4 Moderate Mannerisms or posturing, e.g., stylised movements or acts, rocking,
nodding, rubbing, or grimacing, observed on several occasions for brief periods or
infrequently but very odd. For example, uncomfortable posture maintained for 5 seconds
more than twice.
5 Moderately Severe Same as 4, but occurring often, or several examples of very odd
mannerisms or posturing that are idiosyncratic to the individual.
6 Severe Frequent stereotyped behaviour, assumes and maintains uncomfortable or
inappropriate postures, intense rocking, smearing, strange rituals or foetal posturing.
Individual can interact with people and the environment for brief periods despite these
behaviours.
7 Extremely Severe Same as 6, but individual cannot interact with people or the
environment due to these behaviours.
