Simple 5-point scales are described together with the method used to study their reliability, the results of which are shown. The scales are short, easy to administer and sensitive to change, therefore particularly applicable where there is the need for screening chronic psychotic populations. Some uses for the scales are suggested.

The sensitivity of Krawiecka, Goldberg and Vaughan’s scales for rating chronic psychotic patients was established by testing them under conditions comparable to those of a controlled cross-over trial. 34 chronic schizophrenics were assessed on the scales at the beginning, after 6 weeks on one form of medication and after the same period on another drug. Significant changes in ratings of symptom severity of anxiety, hallucination delusions and incoherence were observed in patients who were sympomatic at the outset. Further, patterns of intercorrelations were found to be stable over time. It was concluded that Krawiecka et al.’s scales may be sensitive to change in symptoms in chronic psychotics and that given their known reliability, they may be viable research tools.