Scale for the evaluation of communication disorders in patients with schizophrenia: a validation study.

OBJECTIVE

A scale for the evaluation of communication disorders in patients with schizophrenia (Schizophrenia Communication Disorder Scale-SCD) is proposed based on studies showing that cognitive disorders specific to the disorganization seen in schizophrenia consist of context processing deficits and problems in the attribution of mental states. Thus the focus of this scale is on the cognitive difficulties revealed in conversation during a structured interview.

METHOD

Fifty-six patients with schizophrenia, depression or mania were evaluated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Significantly elevated scores on the SCD were present in patients with schizophrenia compared to all other groups. Thus, this scale adds to the tools available for evaluating the language of patients with schizophrenia and helps focus on characteristics that are specific to this psychotic diagnosis.