NOSIE-30: A Treatment-Sensitive Ward Behavior Scale

Abstract

The NOSIE-30 is a highly sensitive ward behavior rating scale. Final item selection includes the best 30 of an original pool of 100 items, tested on a sample of 630 chronic schizophrenic patients. Both status (pre-treatment) and change (post minus pre-treatment) item responses were factor analyzed. Six factor scores are obtained: Social Competence, Social Interest, Personal Neatness, Irritability, Manifest Psychosis, and Retardation. Cross-validation of these six factor scores and a composite score, Total Patient Assets, was obtained in an independent, double-blind drug study conducted by the NIMH-Psychopharmacology Service Center. The NOSIE-30, especially designed for use by subprofessional personnel, provides an economical and accurate means of systematically assessing patient status and change.