SSTICS,SACCS,and SASCCS: Clarifying Nomenclature and Robustness in Meta-Analytic Research

Why similar scale names can create confusion in schizophrenia research

This letter responds to comments about our recent meta-analysis on subjective cognitive complaints in schizophrenia using the SSTICS scale. One study included in the analysis used a Norwegian scale with a similar acronym (SACCS), highlighting a broader problem in the field: several cognitive complaint scales have very similar names despite being different instruments. We repeated the analyses after excluding this study, and the results remained almost unchanged. This suggests that the overall conclusions of the meta-analysis are robust. The discussion also highlights the importance of clearer scale nomenclature and transparent reporting in future systematic reviews and cross-cultural research.