Two studies tested the reliability and validity of the Overt Agitation
Severity Scale (OASS), a new instrument developed to define and objectively
rate the severity of agitated behavior. The authors postulate that
agitation should be conceptualized as vocal and motor behaviors on a
continuum of expressions that extends from anxiety to aggression. Content
validity through expert agreement was achieved in the development of test
construction over a 2-year period. Results of two pilot studies (n = 25 and
n = 14 subjects) established the reliability and validity of the OASS to
measure agitation severity. The OASS differs from other agitation scales in
that it confines its rating exclusively to observable behavioral
manifestations of agitation.Abstract Teaser