Nikoleta Nikitova1, Brian P Keane2, Docia Demmin3, Steven M Silverstein4, Peter J Uhlhaas5. 1. Institute for Neuroscience and Psychology, Univ. of Glasgow, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 2. Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, United States of America; Center for Cognitive Science, Rutgers University, United States of America; University Behavioral Health Care - Rutgers University, United States of America. 3. University Behavioral Health Care - Rutgers University, United States of America; Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, United States of America. 4. Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, United States of America; Center for Cognitive Science, Rutgers University, United States of America; University Behavioral Health Care - Rutgers University, United States of America; Department of Ophthalmology, Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, United States of America. 5. Institute for Neuroscience and Psychology, Univ. of Glasgow, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Electronic address: peter.uhlhaas@glasgow.ac.uk.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Anomalies in visual and auditory perception represent an important aspect of the symptomatic manifestation of schizophrenia (ScZ). However, there are currently no instruments available that allow the assessment of the full range of auditory and visual abnormalities using a self-report measure. METHODS: We developed the 85-item Audio-Visual Abnormalities Questionnaire (AVAQ) to assess abnormalities in auditory and visual processing. The AVAQ was validated in an online-sample of 355 healthy participants to establish the factorial structure, internal consistency and reliability of the instrument. In addition, participants completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) to establish convergent validity regarding autistic and schizotypal traits. RESULTS: High internal consistency was observed for the total AVAQ-scale (α = 0.99) as well as for the visual (α = 0.98), auditory (α = 0.96) and the audio-visual subscales (α = 0.83). Principal component analyses demonstrated one factor comprising 78 items. The AVAQ was positively correlated with the SPQ (r = 0.69, p < .001) as well as the AQ (r = 0.38, p < .001). Correlations with the SPQ were highest for unusual perceptual experiences (r = 0.72, p < .001) and lowest for social anxiety (r = 0.30, p < .001). CONCLUSION: The AVAQ demonstrated excellent reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. Accordingly, the instrument could be useful for characterizing sensory dysfunctions across the schizophrenia spectrum that could guide interventions as well as aid the development of biomarkers.
BACKGROUND:Anomalies in visual and auditory perception represent an important aspect of the symptomatic manifestation of schizophrenia (ScZ). However, there are currently no instruments available that allow the assessment of the full range of auditory and visual abnormalities using a self-report measure. METHODS: We developed the 85-item Audio-Visual Abnormalities Questionnaire (AVAQ) to assess abnormalities in auditory and visual processing. The AVAQ was validated in an online-sample of 355 healthy participants to establish the factorial structure, internal consistency and reliability of the instrument. In addition, participants completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) to establish convergent validity regarding autistic and schizotypal traits. RESULTS: High internal consistency was observed for the total AVAQ-scale (α = 0.99) as well as for the visual (α = 0.98), auditory (α = 0.96) and the audio-visual subscales (α = 0.83). Principal component analyses demonstrated one factor comprising 78 items. The AVAQ was positively correlated with the SPQ (r = 0.69, p < .001) as well as the AQ (r = 0.38, p < .001). Correlations with the SPQ were highest for unusual perceptual experiences (r = 0.72, p < .001) and lowest for social anxiety (r = 0.30, p < .001). CONCLUSION: The AVAQ demonstrated excellent reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. Accordingly, the instrument could be useful for characterizing sensory dysfunctions across the schizophrenia spectrum that could guide interventions as well as aid the development of biomarkers.
Authors: Takanori Hashimoto; H Holly Bazmi; Karoly Mirnics; Qiang Wu; Allan R Sampson; David A Lewis Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 2008-02-15 Impact factor: 18.112
Authors: Daniel C Javitt; Kevin M Spencer; Gunvant K Thaker; Georg Winterer; Mihály Hajós Journal: Nat Rev Drug Discov Date: 2008-01 Impact factor: 84.694