The Personal and Social Performance scale (PSP) is used to measure functioning. It is a 100-item scale subdivided into ten intervals and covers four domains: social activities (eg work and study), interpersonal relationships, self-care and behavioural problems. Minimal training is required to use the PSP and operational rating criteria for the domains are well defined. The PSP is reported to be relatively simple and quick to conduct and has been shown to have good validity and inter-rater reliability1. Possible limitations of the PSP include that it does not assess suicide risk and is still relatively new although experience with it is growing.

The aim of this study is to gain experience with the PSP in clinical practice by measuring the effect of risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) on functioning. Data was also collected on hospitalisation.

Eleven patients with psychosis have been assessed with a mean age of 39.9 years (range 20-62). The average dose of RLAI was 39.8mg and the average duration of treatment was 20.1 months. Seven patients had no reported side-effects on RLAI.

The number of hospital admissions decreased by 50% during treatment with RLAI, and the number of days in hospital decreased by 11.9%. All patients experienced improved levels of functioning as measured by the PSP despite some residual symptoms identified by Mental State Examination (MSE).

The PSP was quick and easy to learn and use in routine clinical practice. Treatment with RLAI was found to have a positive effect on functioning and was generally well tolerated.