Symptoms and functioning: a content analysis of the PANSS under the ICF framework

Abstract

Purpose

The study aimed to compare the content of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) with that of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and to examine the extent to which PANSS items are represented in the ICF Core Sets (ICF-CS) for schizophrenia.

Methods

The 30 items of the PANSS were linked to the ICF using established rules by two health professionals experienced in applying the ICF conceptual framework.

Results

PANSS items were linked to 42 unique ICF categories, corresponding mainly to the Body functions component; categories b160 Thought functions and b152 Emotional functions from this component were the most frequently linked. Regarding the Activities and participation component, the second-level category d720 Complex interpersonal interactions was the most frequently linked to PANSS items. Overall, PANSS items covered 18% and 40% of the categories included, respectively, in the Comprehensive and Brief versions of the ICF-CSs for schizophrenia. No PANSS items were linked to categories from the Body structures or Environmental factors components.

Conclusions

The PANSS broadly covers the content of the ICF, especially as regards mental and movement-related functions, although it also covers some aspects of interpersonal relationships.

Keywords:

• Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)
• schizophrenia
• symptoms
• functioning
• International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Spain’s Ministry of Science, grant number PID2019‐109887GB‐100, and the Agency for the Management of University and Research Grants of the Government of Catalonia, grant number 2021SGR01071.