[The Munster Prognosis Score (MPS)--prognostic validity of a practical instrument for prediction of progress in schizophrenic psychosis].

The prognostic validity of a short and easy to handle prognostic instrument (Münster prognosis score, MPS) for schizophrenic patients is proved in this study. The MPS consists of 4 items: number of hospitalisations, stability of course of illness in the last year, premorbid development, and stability of psychosocial environment. Each item has to be rated as favourable or unfavourable. With three or four favourable ratings the prognosis is good, otherwise bad. The interrater reliability proved with 50 DSM-III schizophrenic patients had a kappa of 0.84, which is sufficient. In an 8-years follow-up with 66 DMS-III schizophrenic outpatients, the MPS had a comparably good prognostic validity according to the Strauss-Carpenter scale and the Philips scale in respect of the total symptom score (AMDP) and psychosocial functioning (GAS). According to prognosis of rehospitalisations, the MPS was as good as the SCS, and both were better than the Phillips scale.