Factor Analysis of the Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES) and Corresponding Brain Function and Structures.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Neurological soft signs (NSS) are subtle, non-localizable neurological abnormalities.
• Understanding the underlying structure of NSS is crucial for neurological and psychiatric research.
• The Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES) is a tool used to assess NSS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factor structure of the Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES).
• To identify the core domains assessed by the NES.
• To explore the relationship between NSS factors and potential neural correlates.

Main Methods:

• Factor analysis with varimax normalized rotation was applied to NES data.
• The study included 355 subjects: 233 patients and 122 from the general population.
• Hierarchical factor analysis was performed to determine multiple orders of factors.

Main Results:

• Factor analysis yielded a hierarchical structure, starting with 13 first-order factors.
• Subsequent analyses revealed 7 second-order factors and 3 third-order factors.
• A single fourth-order factor emerged, theoretically linking to functional neural circuits and anatomical structures.

Conclusions:

• The NES effectively captures three core domains: attentional control, inhibition, and information processing.
• These domains are further subdivided, suggesting complex underlying neural mechanisms.
• Future research integrating neuroimaging is recommended to elucidate NSS mechanisms and psychosis risk.