Evaluation of validity and reliability and producing of application for St. Hans rating scale for extrapyramidal syndromes

Background. The extrapyramidal system is part of the central nervous system (CNS) involved in motor control. Extrapyramidal symptoms include a variety of acute and chronic movement disorders caused by medications. Currently, antipsychotic medications are the mainstay of treatment for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders and can cause extrapyramidal symptoms. The St. Hans Rating Scale (SHRS) is a multidimensional scale designed to quantify the severity of dystonia, parkinsonism, akathisia, and dyskinesia caused by antipsychotic drugs. This scale has not yet been translated into Persian so far. Considering the importance of assessing the quality of life in patients with severe or chronic psychiatric disorders, this study aimed to translate the SHRS into Persian and evaluate its validity and reliability. Also, we presented the software version of the SHRS.

Methods. This descriptive-analytical (methodological) study was performed on patients with psychiatric disorders treated with antipsychotic medications. After translating the SHRS into Persian, the validity and reliability of the Persian version was evaluated and the necessary corrections were made. Then, the Persian version was back-translated into English, followed by re-translation into Persian. A total of 30 patients were examined for extrapyramidal symptoms using the prepared version. The expert group concluded that there is no need to translate SHRS.

Results. Regarding face validity, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.99 and reliability was 0.99. The mean scores by the first psychiatrist were 2.03 in the first visit and 2.1 in the second visit. These scores were 2 in the first visit and 2.03 in the second visit by the second psychiatrist.

Conclusion. The software version of SHRS has good reliability and validity and can be used to evaluate the extrapyramidal symptoms of patients.

Practical Implications. English version of the SHRS and its application for cellphone can be used to assess extrapyramidal symptoms.