Correlates of a single-item Self-Rated Mental Health Question in people with schizophrenia

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the correlates of a single-item Self-Rated Mental Health Question in people with schizophrenia, in order to achieve a better understanding of what it is measuring. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted exploring the responses of 71 adults with schizophrenia to a single-item Self-Rated Mental Health Question and the relationship with psychological distress, illness perception, and self-rated general health. Measures included the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, and the single-item Self-Rated Health Question. Results: People with schizophrenia who reported poorer levels of mental health on a single-item Self-Rated Mental Health Question were more likely to have: higher levels of psychological distress; depressive and anxiety symptoms; and negative illness perceptions, especially a lack of perceived personal control over their illness. There was a moderate positive correlation between self-rated mental health and self-rated general health. Conclusion: The single-item Self-Rated Mental Health Question is a predictor of important clinical features in people with schizophrenia. As such, there are implications for health services, with a possible role as a brief, easily administered screening tool for the detection of clinical vulnerability.