Psychosis and schizophrenia
Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS)
Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) — administration and scoring reference.
Reference information · Official-form reference
- Last content update
- 2026-10-26
- Clinical review
- Not independently reviewed
- Source jurisdiction
- See individual sources
- Coverage
- Official-form reference
| Field | Instrument context |
|---|---|
| Version | CAINS; final 13-item interview; motivation/pleasure and expression |
| Respondent | Clinician |
| Purpose | Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) — administration and scoring reference. |
Administration
Use the developer’s interview manual and training materials. Elicit actual engagement and anticipated pleasure as directed, and rate expressive behavior from observation.
Scoring method
Motivation/pleasure and expression domain ratings; use interview manual.
Interpretation & limitations
- Report motivation/pleasure and expression dimensions using the final manual’s keys.
- Interpret the findings alongside the clinical interview, functioning, history and relevant physical assessment.
- Do not substitute earlier development forms or equate a reduced opportunity for activity with a primary negative symptom.
- Use the original instrument and manual for item wording, rating anchors, missing-data rules and any normative conversions. This reference does not establish a diagnosis or select treatment.