Rating scales in old age psychiatry^†

BURNS, ALISTAIR
LAWLOR, BRIAN
CRAIG, SARAH

ALISTAIR BURNS, FRCPsych, Department of Old Age Psychiatry, University of Manchester, UK; BRIAN LAWLOR, FRCPsych, St Patrick's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; SARAH CRAIG, MRCPsych, Royal Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust, Bolton, UK

^†See editorial, pp. 97-98, this issue.

Correspondence: Professor Alistair Burns, Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Education and Research Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Manchester M23 9LT, UK. Tel: +44 (0)161 291 3310; Fax: +44 (0)161 291 5862; e-mail: [email protected]

(First received 7 November 2000, final revision 9 February 2001, accepted 23 May 2001)

British Journal of Psychiatry 180:p 161-167, February 2002.

Background

There is a vast array of scales available to assess all aspects of mental and physical health in older people which may be of relevance to the work of old age psychiatrists.

Aims

To summarise some of the scales that may be commonly used in clinical and research practice and to give the reader guidelines as to where further information can be obtained.

Method

The scales were selected on the basis of the authors' own clinical and research knowledge and information was gathered from a comprehensive text on assessment scales in old age psychiatry.

Results

The selected scales are described in brief and a table outlines the purposes for which they are most suitable.

Conclusions

Although many scales are available, the choice of the individual scale relies specifically on the question that is to be asked. The ideal scale does not exist.

Declaration of interest

The authors have received honoraria and hospitality from pharmaceutical companies working in old age psychiatry.