Objective: Catatonia is a common syndrome which can be lifethreatening
due to its complications. The aims of the study were to
translate the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS) and the
KANNER Scale into Turkish, conduct the validity and reliability
analyses and to compare the two scales.
Method: During the study period extending over 20 consecutive months,
the Turkish versions of the scales were administered to 84 patients who
were hospitalized in the psychiatry ward or who were admitted to the
hospitalization list. The clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of
all patients were evaluated. The scales were administered to the patients
by two raters, one of whom was permanently involved.
Results: Convergent and criterion validities revealed a high correlation
between the screening instruments of both scales and between the
BFCRS total score and 2nd and 3rd part scores of the KANNER Scale.
BFCRS total score of ≥6, KANNER Scale 2nd part score of ≥15, or 3rd
part score of ≥1 can be used with high accuracy in diagnosing catatonia
according to DSM-5. Internal consistency for both scales was found to
be high (Cronbach’s alpha 0.902 for BFCRS and 0.9, 0.891, 0.806 for
KANNER Scale subsections). Inter-rater reliability was also high for
most of the scale items (mean Kappa coefficient: 0.885 for BFCRS and
0.904 for KANNER Scale).
Conclusion: In conclusion, the Turkish adaptations of both scales were
found to be valid and reliable, showing strong psychometric properties.
This study is the first validity and reliability study for the KANNER
Scale.
Keywords: Catatonia, Rating Scales, Diagnosis, Validity, Reliability