A scale for measuring minimal social behavior.

Chronic deteriorated patients have been receiving increased attention since the advent of the tranquilizing drugs. The problem of evaluating the effects of these drugs on this type of patient has become acute. Recently the authors were called upon to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a new drug, promazine, on such patients (4). The existing scales seemed ill-suited for use at this very low level of functioning. A scale was constructed on the assumption that inappropriate interpersonal behaviors are an important facet of serious psychiatric illness. The items selected for this scale are intended to tap those habit patterns which are disrupted only in the extremes of pathology. It is assumed that clinical improvement will include the reinstitution of such simple conventional behaviors as shaking hands. A brief standardized format designed to look like an interview was selected for the administration of the scale. It was considered a convenient sample of how well the patient can deal with people more generally. The examiner can administer the scale quickly and without previous acquaintance with the patient.