Psychopathology rating scales have been widely used. Studies evaluating the congruence between self and observer-reported ratings show inconsistent results.

Determine whether there was consistency between psychopathology as assessed by patients and clinicians’ assessment in outpatients observed in the Young Adult Unit of our Psychiatry Department (Coimbra Hospital and University Centre-Portugal).

Socio-demographic characterization was undertaken with young adult outpatients observed during nineteen months (1st January 2015–31st July 2016). Brief Symptom Inventory–53 items (BSI-53) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) were applied at the first clinical evaluation. Spearman correlation coefficient between General Severity Index (GSI) of BSI-53 and BPRS total score was calculated.

During the mentioned interval 255 outpatients were observed: 64.3% females and 35.7% males; aged between 17 and 39 years old (average: 20.56; median: 20). Fifty percent were diagnosed with neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders (ICD-10 F40-48) and 14.1% with mood disorders (ICD-10 F30-39). BPRS and BSI-53 rating scales were administered to 55 patients: 72.5% females and 27.5% males; average age 21.2. A statistical significant correlation was found between BPRS total and GSI score.

Several factors can determine the accuracy of psychopathology self-assessment, including diagnosis and severity of illness. In fact, studies show strong correlation between self and observer assessment of depressive and anxious psychopathology, but no correlation in psychotic psychopathological dimensions. Therefore, the correlation found in this population can be explained by the fact that the majority of patients were diagnosed with neurotic, stress-related and somatoform and mood disorders.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.