Schizophrenia Research
Volume 86, Issue 1 , Pages 76-79, September 2006

Diagnosing delusions: A review of inter-rater reliability

  • Vaughan Bell

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Psychology Dept Box 78, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
    • ,
  • Peter W. Halligan

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +44 29 208 76911; fax: +44 29 2087 4858.
    • ,
  • Hadyn D. Ellis

School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3YG, UK

Received 3 May 2006; received in revised form 20 June 2006; accepted 20 June 2006.

Abstract 

Although several studies have examined the reliability of diagnosing delusions there is no comprehensive review of the literature. Therefore, the reliability of diagnosing ‘delusions in general’ and the subcategory of ‘bizarre delusions’ was reviewed, including both structured interview and standardized instrument methods. The literature suggests that delusions in general can be diagnosed reliably with both structured interview and standardized instruments. However, bizarre delusions are not reliably diagnosed by either, suggesting that this concept may have little clinical validity. Nevertheless, many of the studies reviewed are poorly designed or subject to significant confounds. Criteria are suggested for adequate future studies.

Keywords: Delusion, Diagnosis, Reliability, Psychosis, Kappa

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PII: S0920-9964(06)00300-8

doi:10.1016/j.schres.2006.06.025

Schizophrenia Research
Volume 86, Issue 1 , Pages 76-79, September 2006

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