Psychological correlates of Schizophrenia
Researchers analyzed data from a retrospective cohort that focused on self-reported symptoms of schizophrenia in patients over five years. This data was based solely on direct interviews for self-reported symptoms, although some participants also providedinformation about hospital data, lab tests, and more recent medical history. All available patient information came from a long list of questions called questionnaires. Each questionnaire lasted approximately 25 minutes and covered a wide range of topics, including age, gender, marital status, and income. Researchers noted that patients were not interviewed directly during their time at the clinic nor when they sought psychological help. Instead, information gathered from questionnaires was entered into a database. They then matched patients to their rds from various sources, such as electronic health records, primary care clinics, and electronic wellness centers. The research team noted that each patient had been assessed for symptoms of depression or anxiety and self-reported these, but only a very small proportion of patients reported both. As part of this project, the researchers studied what Psychosocial Factors rated depression And Anxiety Symptoms In Patients With Schizophrenia, specifically identifying which patient characteristics were most correlated with one or both of these two types of disorder.
Researchers concluded that when compared to those with no history of mental illness, schizophrenic patients who reported having experienced positive social support and active occupational life were less likely to develop symptoms.
According to Rebecca Dankert-Hecht, Ph.D., a professor at Princeton Medical School’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, “The fact that we found statistically significant associations between depression and anxiety, even if only modest ones – much stronger than any associations we found before – is a true indication of strong correlation. We were able to identify associations between the two disorders that had not previously been seen, suggesting that both may be implicated in schizophrenia because both have some common underlying mechanisms. Our work may offer a window into possible new avenues for the treatment of depression and anxiety and provide some insight into the development of strategies to manage both types of mental illnesses. It could be especially helpful in treating those with psychotic disorders or comorbidities. But our findings should not be read as definitive because they represent just one piece of evidence. Further studies are needed to confirm or reject the validity of our findings. ”
Researchers noted that previous studies have identified relationships between schizophrenia and self-reported symptoms, including depression and anxiety. However, few have looked directly at the specific links, so they used data from the current group and new information to determine how schizophrenia affects psychosocial outcomes like occupational functioning, social support, and substance abuse
“The current findings provide important insights into how schizophrenia is diagnosed, particularly about its association with mental illness and self-reported symptoms,” said lead researcher Dr. Kevin Gorman, Ph.D., director of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience Research & Development, Division of Psychological Medicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla Institute of Technology, San Diego State College, UC San Diego. “The analyses indicate that the course of schizophrenia appears to result from interactions between genetics and an individual’s environment. These findings can also be applied to other psychiatric disorders beyond schizophrenia, including depression and anxiety. Ultimately, by identifying better ways to evaluate symptoms and interventions in advance, the field can improve the treatment of people with schizophrenia and related symptoms.
Researchers found that patients with major depressive episodes had lower levels of cognitive control, which refers to the ability to resist automatic negative behaviors, as well as impulsivity, low attention span, and poor memory. Those with major mania had significantly fewer effective measures, including increased impulse control, higher attention span, high working memory, and reduced stress responses. Patients with schizophrenia and psychosis had weaker executive functioning — the ability to make quick decisions under pressure as well as logical reasoning — which could cause them to exhibit impulsive behavior. Those with hallucinations tended to have poorer executive functioning and impaired attention span.
Researchers found that patients with schizophrenia reported higher rates of alcohol abuse and substance use. Most patients with schizophrenia reported that they consumed alcohol with friends or family members. Additionally, about 40% of patients with schizophrenia reported that they regularly or occasionally used marijuana or cocaine. Nearly half (48%) of patients with schizophrenia reported taking illicit drugs. Even though about 70% of patients with schizophrenia reported living within the community, only 33% reported residing in the county or city where they received care. There were very small group differences for patients with schizophrenia who lived alone or in a group setting (28 patients), versus those who lived with others (46 patients). In addition to reporting using illicit medications, almost 65% of patients with schizophrenia reported consuming tobacco products. Among the most commonly reported mental disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse were the most frequently reported comorbidity.
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