PANSS
Also written as: PANSS — Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale
A standardized 30-item rating scale used to assess symptom severity in schizophrenia.
Full Definition
The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) is a widely used clinical assessment tool for measuring symptom severity in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The scale consists of 30 items divided into three subscales: positive symptoms (7 items), negative symptoms (7 items), and general psychopathology (16 items). Each item is rated on a 7-point scale from absent to extreme. The PANSS is commonly used in clinical trials and research settings to track treatment response and disease progression.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize when referring to the specific scale. May be used as both noun and adjective (PANSS score, PANSS assessment).
In Context
- "PANSS scores showed significant improvement in positive symptoms after six weeks of treatment." — Research study report
- "The clinician administered the PANSS to establish baseline symptom severity." — Clinical assessment