[Behavioral dimensions in elderly patients: factor structure of the Behavioral Observation Scale for Intramural Psychogeriatrics].

This study reports on the factor-structure of the Dutch Behavior Rating scale for Psychogeriatric Inpatients (GIP). Data were obtained from a heterogeneous population (n = 2845). The twelve-factor solution closely resembles the original GIP subscales. Mood stood out as a separate factor in all analyses. Cognition and behavioral disturbances were highly interrelated. A second order analysis revealed three basic dimensions or "syndromes': cognition-hyporeactivity, cognition-disinhibition and mood. An optimal grouping of the original subscales is: social behavior (sub-scales 1-4), cognition (5-10) and mood (11-14). Based on our previous work with the GIP, discriminant analysis predicted diagnostic group membership of psychogeriatric nursing home patients very well.