TY - JOUR
T1 - The Audio-Visual Abnormalities Questionnaire (AVAQ)
T2 - Development and validation of a new instrument for assessing anomalies in sensory perception in schizophrenia spectrum disorders
AU - Nikitova, Nikoleta
AU - Keane, Brian P.
AU - Demmin, Docia
AU - Silverstein, Steven M.
AU - Uhlhaas, Peter J.
N1 - Funding Information:
We thank Marc Becirspahic and the IT-group of the Dept. of Psychology, University of Glasgow, for support in the implementation of the online-questionnaire. The authors report no conflict of interest. PJU, BK and SS designed the study. NN and PU collected and analysed the data. All authors contributed to preparation of the manuscript. BK was supported by grant K01MH108783.
PY - 2019/7
Y1 - 2019/7
N2 - Background: Anomalies in visual and auditory perception represent an important aspect of the symptomatic manifestation of schizophrenia (ScZ). However, there are currently no instruments available that allow the assessment of the full range of auditory and visual abnormalities using a self-report measure. Methods: We developed the 85-item Audio-Visual Abnormalities Questionnaire (AVAQ) to assess abnormalities in auditory and visual processing. The AVAQ was validated in an online-sample of 355 healthy participants to establish the factorial structure, internal consistency and reliability of the instrument. In addition, participants completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) to establish convergent validity regarding autistic and schizotypal traits. Results: High internal consistency was observed for the total AVAQ-scale (α = 0.99) as well as for the visual (α = 0.98), auditory (α = 0.96) and the audio-visual subscales (α = 0.83). Principal component analyses demonstrated one factor comprising 78 items. The AVAQ was positively correlated with the SPQ (r = 0.69, p <.001) as well as the AQ (r = 0.38, p <.001). Correlations with the SPQ were highest for unusual perceptual experiences (r = 0.72, p <.001) and lowest for social anxiety (r = 0.30, p <.001). Conclusion: The AVAQ demonstrated excellent reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. Accordingly, the instrument could be useful for characterizing sensory dysfunctions across the schizophrenia spectrum that could guide interventions as well as aid the development of biomarkers.
AB - Background: Anomalies in visual and auditory perception represent an important aspect of the symptomatic manifestation of schizophrenia (ScZ). However, there are currently no instruments available that allow the assessment of the full range of auditory and visual abnormalities using a self-report measure. Methods: We developed the 85-item Audio-Visual Abnormalities Questionnaire (AVAQ) to assess abnormalities in auditory and visual processing. The AVAQ was validated in an online-sample of 355 healthy participants to establish the factorial structure, internal consistency and reliability of the instrument. In addition, participants completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) to establish convergent validity regarding autistic and schizotypal traits. Results: High internal consistency was observed for the total AVAQ-scale (α = 0.99) as well as for the visual (α = 0.98), auditory (α = 0.96) and the audio-visual subscales (α = 0.83). Principal component analyses demonstrated one factor comprising 78 items. The AVAQ was positively correlated with the SPQ (r = 0.69, p <.001) as well as the AQ (r = 0.38, p <.001). Correlations with the SPQ were highest for unusual perceptual experiences (r = 0.72, p <.001) and lowest for social anxiety (r = 0.30, p <.001). Conclusion: The AVAQ demonstrated excellent reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. Accordingly, the instrument could be useful for characterizing sensory dysfunctions across the schizophrenia spectrum that could guide interventions as well as aid the development of biomarkers.
KW - Audition
KW - Autism
KW - Basic symptoms
KW - Schizophrenia
KW - Schizotypy
KW - Sensory processing
KW - Vision
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U2 - 10.1016/j.schres.2019.03.016
DO - 10.1016/j.schres.2019.03.016
M3 - Article
C2 - 31182320
AN - SCOPUS:85066840178
VL - 209
SP - 227
EP - 233
JO - Schizophrenia Research
JF - Schizophrenia Research
SN - 0920-9964
ER -