The Lifetime Dimensions of Psychosis Scale (LDPS): description and interrater reliability.

A new rating scale, the Lifetime Dimensions of Psychosis Scale (LDPS), is described. The LDPS creates a profile of the lifetime characteristics of each case based on retrospective ratings, encompassing the positive, bizarre, negative, and disorganized symptom factors identified by previous studies of psychotic disorders, plus mood-related symptomatology, degree of deterioration, and complicating factors over the course of illness. A preliminary 39-item scale and instruction manual were developed. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for positive symptom and mood item total scores were 0.76 to 0.87 (mean of 0.70 for all items). Highly intercorrelated (tau-b coefficients) or unreliable items were eliminated to create the final 20-item version 2. Good-excellent reliability was observed in a second study using different raters. The LDPS is designed for use by experienced clinicians or researchers who have access to comprehensive clinical information, including semistructured diagnostic interviews, psychiatric records, and family history reports. Dimensional scores and multidimensional patterns might prove useful in studying the relationship of clinical phenotype to genotypes, treatment response, and other variables. They may also be useful in clinical practice.