Intercorrelation of symptom dimensions in patients with schizophrenia

Abstract

Background The heterogeneity of schizophrenia symptoms is well documented. The positive and negative distinction is limited to cover the entire spectrum of schizophrenia phenomenology. Aim The aim of the study is to find out the major symptom dimensions of phenomenology in a sample of schizophrenic patients. Materials and methods We recruited 100 schizophrenic patients. Diagnosis was based on diagnostic and statistical manual criteria. Positive and negative symptoms scale was used to assess schizophrenia symptoms. Patients’ scores were subjected to factor analysis with varimax rotation. Internal consistency was determined by the use of Cronbach’s α. Results Five dimensions (factors) were produced: negative, excitement, positive, depressive, and cognitive dimensions. Internal consistency was quite satisfactory.