Symptoms and functioning: a content analysis of the PANSS under the ICF framework

The study aimed to compare the content of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) with that of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and to examine the extent to which PANSS items are represented in the ICF Core Sets (ICF-CS) for schizophrenia.

The 30 items of the PANSS were linked to the ICF using established rules by two health professionals experienced in applying the ICF conceptual framework.

PANSS items were linked to 42 unique ICF categories, corresponding mainly to the Body functions component; categories b160 Thought functions and b152 Emotional functions from this component were the most frequently linked. Regarding the Activities and participation component, the second-level category d720 Complex interpersonal interactions was the most frequently linked to PANSS items. Overall, PANSS items covered 18% and 40% of the categories included, respectively, in the Comprehensive and Brief versions of the ICF-CSs for schizophrenia. No PANSS items were linked to categories from the Body structures or Environmental factors components.

The PANSS broadly covers the content of the ICF, especially as regards mental and movement-related functions, although it also covers some aspects of interpersonal relationships.