Psychometric scales in clinical psychopharmacology trials: mathematical and statistical evaluations

Abstract

The informativity and sensitivity of psychometric scales may play a relevant role in interpreting the results of clinical trials. In an attempt to investigate the possibility to improve the suitability of psychometric tools in psychopharmacology, an analysis of the available mathematical and statistical strategies has been carried out. The results suggested that both inter-item correlations and probabilistic analyses should be regarded as valid approaches for evaluating and improving the informativity and sensitivity of a psychometric scale to be used in clinical trials. Symptom profiles analyses and repeated parceling procedures appeared to be helpful for a proper alignment between the theoretical and empirical variability which can be identified by a psychometric scale among individuals enrolled in clinical psychopharmacological trails.