| 1 | Acta Psychiatr Scand 2002 Apr 105: 293-300 |
|---|---|
| PMID | 11942934 |
| Title | Quality of life in schizophrenia measured by the MOS SF-36 and the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile: a comparison. |
| Abstract | To compare two Quality of Life (QoL) instruments on reliability, feasibility and conceptual overlap in a group of schizophrenic out-patients. The Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (LQoLP) and the MOS SF-36 were used to assess the QoL of 143 schizophrenic out-patients. Feasibility and reliability for both instruments were satisfying. Second order factor analysis on 10 LQoLP and eight MOS SF-36 scales resulted in three factors: one health related QoL factor and two general QoL factors; an internal and an external factor. QoL measures in schizophrenia studies are not exchangeable. Validity of a specific QoL instrument depends upon the purpose of the study. The LQoLP allows suggestions for specific improvements in mental health care for long-term psychiatric patients. The SF-36 is a good choice when comparison with other patient groups on health related QoL is relevant. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 2 | Acta Psychiatr Scand 2002 Apr 105: 293-300 |
| PMID | 11942934 |
| Title | Quality of life in schizophrenia measured by the MOS SF-36 and the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile: a comparison. |
| Abstract | To compare two Quality of Life (QoL) instruments on reliability, feasibility and conceptual overlap in a group of schizophrenic out-patients. The Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (LQoLP) and the MOS SF-36 were used to assess the QoL of 143 schizophrenic out-patients. Feasibility and reliability for both instruments were satisfying. Second order factor analysis on 10 LQoLP and eight MOS SF-36 scales resulted in three factors: one health related QoL factor and two general QoL factors; an internal and an external factor. QoL measures in schizophrenia studies are not exchangeable. Validity of a specific QoL instrument depends upon the purpose of the study. The LQoLP allows suggestions for specific improvements in mental health care for long-term psychiatric patients. The SF-36 is a good choice when comparison with other patient groups on health related QoL is relevant. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 3 | Schizophr. Res. 2003 Jul 62: 73-6 |
| PMID | 12765746 |
| Title | Body mass index and quality of life in community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia. |
| Abstract | To examine the associations between sociodemographic variables, body weight and quality of life in schizophrenic outpatients. Assessments included an interview to obtain sociodemographic data, administration of a Quality of Life questionnaire (the MOS SF-36) and measurement of height and weight. Body mass index was calculated (kg/m(2)). SF-36 subscores were examined for statistical differences based on BMI categories: healthy weight (BMI Body weight was inversely correlated (level p |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 4 | Schizophr. Res. 2003 Jul 62: 73-6 |
| PMID | 12765746 |
| Title | Body mass index and quality of life in community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia. |
| Abstract | To examine the associations between sociodemographic variables, body weight and quality of life in schizophrenic outpatients. Assessments included an interview to obtain sociodemographic data, administration of a Quality of Life questionnaire (the MOS SF-36) and measurement of height and weight. Body mass index was calculated (kg/m(2)). SF-36 subscores were examined for statistical differences based on BMI categories: healthy weight (BMI Body weight was inversely correlated (level p |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 5 | Am. J. Med. Genet. B Neuropsychiatr. Genet. 2003 Jan 116B: 27-31 |
| PMID | 12497609 |
| Title | Fine mapping of an isodicentric Y chromosomal breakpoint from a schizophrenic patient. |
| Abstract | We report on a male schizophrenic patient who carried an isodicentric Y chroMOSome [idic(Y)] with a MOSaic karyotype [MOS 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(q11)]. Although a potential association between sex chroMOSome abnormalities and a susceptibility to psychoses has been documented, there has only been one previous report of idic(Y) coincident with schizophrenia. The [45,X] karyotype is known to be associated with Turner syndrome (TS), but our patient lacked MOSt of the phenotypic features of TS, except for short stature. To define the precise position of the breakpoint on the patient's abnormal Y chroMOSome, we carried out polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, using primers for 15 marker loci along the chroMOSome. The breakpoint was localized to between the marker loci sY118 and sY119 on Yq in the 5M interval of the deletion map. This position represents the MOSt centromeric breakpoint recorded for idic(Y). We cannot exclude the possibility that the development of schizophrenia is unrelated to the Y chroMOSome abnormality in this patient but we hope that this study will stimulate further cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses of Y chroMOSome regions that may influence psychiatric traits. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 6 | Am. J. Med. Genet. B Neuropsychiatr. Genet. 2003 Jan 116B: 27-31 |
| PMID | 12497609 |
| Title | Fine mapping of an isodicentric Y chromosomal breakpoint from a schizophrenic patient. |
| Abstract | We report on a male schizophrenic patient who carried an isodicentric Y chroMOSome [idic(Y)] with a MOSaic karyotype [MOS 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(q11)]. Although a potential association between sex chroMOSome abnormalities and a susceptibility to psychoses has been documented, there has only been one previous report of idic(Y) coincident with schizophrenia. The [45,X] karyotype is known to be associated with Turner syndrome (TS), but our patient lacked MOSt of the phenotypic features of TS, except for short stature. To define the precise position of the breakpoint on the patient's abnormal Y chroMOSome, we carried out polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, using primers for 15 marker loci along the chroMOSome. The breakpoint was localized to between the marker loci sY118 and sY119 on Yq in the 5M interval of the deletion map. This position represents the MOSt centromeric breakpoint recorded for idic(Y). We cannot exclude the possibility that the development of schizophrenia is unrelated to the Y chroMOSome abnormality in this patient but we hope that this study will stimulate further cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses of Y chroMOSome regions that may influence psychiatric traits. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 7 | Eur. Psychiatry 2005 Oct 20 Suppl 3: S313-7 |
| PMID | 16459242 |
| Title | Quality of life measures in schizophrenia. |
| Abstract | The recognition of the importance of evaluating the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia highlighted the importance of developing appropriate instruments. In this paper we review the available quality of life instruments focusing on their conceptual framework, structure, administration and psychometric properties. First, we address the generic instruments that have been validated for schizophrenic populations, namely the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL), the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the EuroQoL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). Then, we focus on instruments that have been specifically developed for patients with schizophrenia and other or severe mentally illness such as the Quality of Life Scale (QLS), the Quality of Life Interview (QoLI), the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (LQoLP), the Sevilla Quality of Life Questionnaire (SQLQ), the Personal Evaluation of Transitions in Treatment (PETIT), and the Quality of Life Questionnaire in schizophrenia (S-QoL). |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 8 | Eur. Psychiatry 2005 Oct 20 Suppl 3: S313-7 |
| PMID | 16459242 |
| Title | Quality of life measures in schizophrenia. |
| Abstract | The recognition of the importance of evaluating the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia highlighted the importance of developing appropriate instruments. In this paper we review the available quality of life instruments focusing on their conceptual framework, structure, administration and psychometric properties. First, we address the generic instruments that have been validated for schizophrenic populations, namely the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL), the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the EuroQoL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). Then, we focus on instruments that have been specifically developed for patients with schizophrenia and other or severe mentally illness such as the Quality of Life Scale (QLS), the Quality of Life Interview (QoLI), the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile (LQoLP), the Sevilla Quality of Life Questionnaire (SQLQ), the Personal Evaluation of Transitions in Treatment (PETIT), and the Quality of Life Questionnaire in schizophrenia (S-QoL). |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 9 | J Psychiatr Pract 2005 Nov 11: 363-8 |
| PMID | 16304504 |
| Title | Effects of personality disorders on functioning and well-being in major depressive disorder. |
| Abstract | Patients with depressive disorders have limitations in physical and emotional functioning comparable to patients with chronic medical conditions. Personality disorders (PDs) are also known to be associated with functional impairment. To determine the effects of PDs on the functioning and well-being of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). In the Collaborative Longitudinal Personality Disorders Study, 668 patients who met criteria for schizotypal, borderline, avoidant, or obsessive-compulsive PDs or for MDD and no PD were assessed with semi-structured interviews at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. In this study, 151 patients who met criteria for current MDD at the 36-month follow-up were compared on the basis of the presence (n = 118) or absence (n = 33) of persistent PD. Physical and social/emotional functioning and well-being were assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). These results were compared with those of a sample of patients with MDD seen in the mental health specialty sector who were followed in the Medical Outcomes Study. Patients with MDD and co-occurring PD had significantly more impairment on scales measuring role limitations due to emotional problems, social functioning, and general health perceptions than patients with MDD and no PD. Although patients with MDD and no PD were found to have levels of functioning and well-being that were lower in several domains than those previously reported in depressed patients recruited from mental health settings, patients with MDD and co-occurring PD were found to have much lower levels of functioning in all areas than reported samples. Co-occurring PDs contribute significantly to impairment in social and emotional functioning and reduced well-being in patients with MDD. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 10 | Qual Life Res 2005 Oct 14: 1803-11 |
| PMID | 16155768 |
| Title | Impact of untreated psychosis on quality of life in patients with first-episode schizophrenia. |
| Abstract | Despite increasing interest in the quality of life (QOL) of psychiatric patients in recent years, few studies have focused on the potential adverse effects of the illness on QOL during the period of untreated psychosis. Our study compares the QOL of patients with first-episode schizophrenia when they first presented to the psychiatric service with that of the normal population, and identifies possible relationships with various clinical parameters. One hundred and seventeen patients with schizophrenia (aged 14-28 years) who entered the Early Assessment Services for Young People with Psychosis (EASY) programme in Hong Kong from June 2001 to January 2004 were assessed with the MOS 36 item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Measure, abbreviated Hong Kong version (WHOQOL-BREF(HK)). We compared their SF-36 scores with controls from the normal population matched by age, sex, marital status and educational level. We assessed clinical parameters including positive, negative and depressive symptoms by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). When compared with matched controls from the normal population, significantly lower scores in all of the eight scales of the SF-36 were found in our patient group (p < 0.005). Various QOL domain scores had significant inverse correlations with the total MADRS score. However, there was no significant correlation with other clinical parameters. Young patients with first-episode schizophrenia have poorer QOL in the period of untreated psychosis than their counterparts in the community. Amongst various clinical parameters, the severity of depressive symptoms correlates MOSt with QOL. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 11 | Schizophr. Res. 2007 Feb 90: 174-8 |
| PMID | 17140768 |
| Title | Body mass index, waist circumference and quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia. |
| Abstract | The primary objective was to examine the differential relationship between waist circumference, body mass index, and self-reported quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. Individuals with DSM-IV schizophrenia (n=90) were interviewed to obtain sociodemographic data, complete a Quality of Life questionnaire (the MOS SF-12) and have measurements taken of height, weight (kg), and waist circumference (cm). Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the associations between adiposity measures (BMI, WC) and quality of life outcomes (PCS, MCS). Mental component score (MCS) was not significantly related to either of the weight related measures. After adjustment for gender and age, both BMI alone and WC alone were significant predictors of PCS. When both BMI and WC were included in the same regression model, only WC remained a significant predictor of PCS. Quality of life in schizophrenic patients is related to measures of body weight. The relationship is strongest using waist circumference as the primary measure. This provides further support for routinely incorporating this measure within research and clinical assessments. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 12 | Schizophr. Res. 2007 Feb 90: 174-8 |
| PMID | 17140768 |
| Title | Body mass index, waist circumference and quality of life in individuals with schizophrenia. |
| Abstract | The primary objective was to examine the differential relationship between waist circumference, body mass index, and self-reported quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. Individuals with DSM-IV schizophrenia (n=90) were interviewed to obtain sociodemographic data, complete a Quality of Life questionnaire (the MOS SF-12) and have measurements taken of height, weight (kg), and waist circumference (cm). Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the associations between adiposity measures (BMI, WC) and quality of life outcomes (PCS, MCS). Mental component score (MCS) was not significantly related to either of the weight related measures. After adjustment for gender and age, both BMI alone and WC alone were significant predictors of PCS. When both BMI and WC were included in the same regression model, only WC remained a significant predictor of PCS. Quality of life in schizophrenic patients is related to measures of body weight. The relationship is strongest using waist circumference as the primary measure. This provides further support for routinely incorporating this measure within research and clinical assessments. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 13 | J Clin Nurs 2007 Jun 16: 1151-61 |
| PMID | 17518890 |
| Title | The perceived burden among Chinese family caregivers of people with schizophrenia. |
| Abstract | The aim of this study was to examine the level of perceived burden of the Chinese families caring for a relative with schizophrenia and to test its associations with their demographic characteristics, social and family factors and health condition. Despite the increased demands on family members to provide care for patients with schizophrenia in community care, little is known about the level of family burden among these family caregivers and its relationship with their demographic, social and cultural backgrounds. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 203 family caregivers were recruited from three regional psychiatric outpatient clinics in Hong Kong. They were asked to complete a set of well-validated questionnaires, consisting of the Chinese version of four instruments - Family Burden Interview Schedule, Family Assessment Device, Six-item Social Support Questionnaire and MOS 36-Item Short Form Health Survey and a socio-demographic data sheet. Statistical analyses were conducted to test the differences in mean burden scores between subgroups, the inter-relationships among the mean scores of the scales and socio-demographic variables and the predictors of family burden. The families who perceived a higher level of caregiver burden were those who lived in a family with poorer functioning, worse health status and less satisfaction of social support. The caregivers' burden score was positively correlated with their age; conversely, it was negatively correlated with their monthly household income and number of family members living with patient. Social support was the best predictor of caregiver burden. These findings increase our understanding about the socio-demographic and cultural variables influencing the well being of family caregivers of a relative with schizophrenia. Helping families to maintain and enhance a supportive social network may represent a useful means to reduce family burden in schizophrenia. This understanding helps health professionals and researchers to identify different sources and domains of burden from a Chinese cultural perspective and take into account of these factors when planning interventions for family caregivers. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 14 | J. Hum. Genet. 2008 -1 53: 914-9 |
| PMID | 18685808 |
| Title | Microarray comparative genomic hybridization analysis of 59 patients with schizophrenia. |
| Abstract | schizophrenia is a common psychiatric disorder with a strong genetic contribution. Disease-associated chroMOSomal abnormalities in this condition may provide important clues, such as DISC1. In this study, 59 schizophrenia patients were analyzed by microarray comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) using custom bacterial artificial chroMOSome (BAC) microarray (4,219 BACs with 0.7-Mb resolution). ChroMOSomal abnormalities were found in six patients (10%): 46,XY,der(13)t(12;13)(p12.1; p11).ish del(5)(p11p12); 46,XY, ish del(17)(p12p12); 46,XX.ish dup(11)(p13p13); and 46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2); and in two cases, MOS 45,X/46XX. Autosomal abnormalities in three cases are likely to be pathogenic, and sex chroMOSome abnormalities in three follow previous findings. It is noteworthy that 10% of patients with schizophrenia have (sub)microscopic chroMOSomal abnormalities, indicating that genome-wide copy number survey should be considered in genetic studies of schizophrenia. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 15 | Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2008 -1 12: 97-104 |
| PMID | 24916619 |
| Title | Experience of quality of life and attitude to care and treatment in patients with schizophrenia: Role of cross-sectional remission. |
| Abstract | Objective. The concept of cross-sectional remission was investigated in a sample of patients with schizophrenia. A total of 243 patients were tested for quality of life, burden and handicap, insight and satisfaction with the care provided in an epidemiological study. The question addressed was if remission is of importance for outcome. Methods. Cross-sectional remission was defined by applying the symptom criteria of remission, where none of eight selected PANSS items should exceed 3 points. Out of 243 patients, 38% were in met cross-sectional remission. Quality of life was assessed with the MOS SF-36 and the Rosser Index. The patients' understanding of their illness was assessed based on symptoms and disorder insight. Finally, attitudes to care and health service were assessed by the UKU/Consumer Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Drug Attitude Inventory. Results. Patients who were in cross-sectional remission reported higher quality of life and reduced burden related to the disorder, a greater level of insight into their symptoms and the illness, and a more positive attitude to treatment, including drugs. Conclusion. This study implies that remission, here expressed in terms of cross-sectional remission, is of importance for patients' well-being. Patients who had no interference from symptoms in their daily functioning found their life better, had a superior insight and were more positive to treatment. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 16 | Seishin Shinkeigaku Zasshi 2008 -1 110: 1007-22 |
| PMID | 19202923 |
| Title | [What impedes discharge support for persons with schizophrenia in psychiatric hospitals?]. |
| Abstract | This study examines the factors that may impede discharge support for persons with schizophrenia who are receiving standard psychiatric services in Japan. Two hundred and ninety-two in-patients from nine psychiatric hospitals diagnosed with schizophrenia agreed to participate in this study. The mean duration of hospitalization at the time of the survey was approximately 10 years. Variables that were evaluated in the baseline assessment were as follows: demographic features such as age and duration of hospitalization, primary psychiatrist's evaluation (the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Global Assessment of Functioning, Assessing List of Patients' Needs of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, and so on), ward nurses' evaluation (the Discharge Difficulty Scale and the Hall and Baker's Rehabilitation Evaluation), and self administered questionnaires (the Self-Efficacy for Community Life Scale, Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, MOS Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey, and Drug Attitude Inventory Short Form). In the follow-up one year later, the subjects were divided into two groups: patients discharged and patients still hospitalized. Eight factors were identified by factor analysis of the Discharge Difficulty Scale. They were insight and treatment compliances, anxieties over discharge, activities of daily living (ADL), problem behaviors, autistic behaviors, medical complications, suicidal behaviors, and family problems. Five clusters were found on cluster analysis; cluster 1 (multiple factors of discharge difficulty), cluster 2 (insight, adherence, and autistic behavior factors of discharge difficulty), cluster 3 (few factors of discharge difficulty), cluster 4 (anxiety and autistic behavior of discharge difficulty), and cluster 5 (insight and adherence, anxiety, and deviant behavior factors of discharge difficulty). In the follow-up one year later, 60 and 157 subjects were divided into the discharge and continued-hospitalization groups, respectively. Six factors were detected by factor analysis that examined the variables which showed significant differences between the two groups in the baseline assessment: 1) discharge difficulties observed by ward nurses, 2) interpersonal difficulties attributed to negative symptoms, 3) hostility, excitement, and suspiciousness, 4) self-efficacy of patients in the community, 5) possible exacerbation of medical diseases, and 6) physical complaints related to the adverse effects of medication. On logistic regression analysis, the hostility, excitement, and suspiciousness and self-efficacy of patients in the community were found to be the two significant contributing factors to the outcome. Effective treatments promoting discharge support for long-term in-patients with schizophrenia are discussed according to the five clusters found. By clustering discharge difficulties, the treatment team will be provided with the necessary medical and social resources. In conclusion, a desirable supportive relation between patients and the team, basic skills to motivate the patients, and cooperative relations among the members of the treatment team are crucial in order to improve the outcomes of patients with discharge difficulties. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 17 | Psychiatr Serv 2008 Jun 59: 663-9 |
| PMID | 18511587 |
| Title | Gender differences in health-related quality of life for veterans with serious mental illness. |
| Abstract | This study assessed gender differences in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a national sample of veterans with serious mental illness. Data were analyzed from the Large Health Survey of Veterans, which was mailed to a national random sample of veterans in 1999. The linear and logistic multiple regression analyses included 18,017 veterans with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder who completed the survey. HRQOL was measured by using the various subscales of the 36-Item Short Form of the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS SF-36) (mental component summary, physical component summary, and activities of daily living) and by questions assessing self-perceptions of health status. The sample was 7.3% female, 75.7% white, and 83.8% unemployed. Mean+/-SD age was 54.3+/-12.2 years. After the analysis adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and other variables, compared with male veterans, female veterans with serious mental illness had lower scores on the SF-36 physical component summary (indicating worse symptoms), were more likely to report that they were limited "a lot" in activities of daily living, and had more pain. However, female respondents were more likely to have a positive outlook on their health. Among veterans who received a diagnosis of serious mental illness from providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs, women reported substantially poorer HRQOL than men across several domains but women reported better self-perceived health. Attention to the particular needs of female veterans with serious mental illness is imperative as the numbers of female veterans continue to increase. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 18 | Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci 2009 -1 46: 120-9 |
| PMID | 19827695 |
| Title | The contribution of self-efficacy, social support and participation in the community to predicting loneliness among persons with schizophrenia living in supported residences. |
| Abstract | The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of self-efficacy, social support, social participation, living arrangement, and employment status to predicting loneliness among 97 individuals (over age 18) who were diagnosed with schizophrenia and lived in supported residences within the community. Participants responded to five self-report questionnaires: a socio-demographic questionnaire, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the MOS Social Support Survey, and the Participation and Use of Services in the Community Questionnaire. Social support, participation in the community, and living arrangement emerged as significant predictors of loneliness: the higher the participants' levels of social support and participation in leisure and social activities in the community, the lower their levels of loneliness. In addition to these findings, participants living in semi-independent and independent apartments felt lonelier and reported higher levels of social support and social participation in the community than their counterparts living in group homes. Practical implications for mental health professionals and caretakers are discussed. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 19 | Tunis Med 2009 Sep 87: 593-8 |
| PMID | 20180380 |
| Title | [Quality of life of patient with schizophrenia treated by conventional and atypical neuroleptics]. |
| Abstract | the quality of life of patients suffering from schizophrenia was extensively studied but it seems that impact on quality of life of neuroleptics, particularly atypical antipsychotic treatment was not clearly elucidated. In this study we have compared the impact on quality of life of atypical antipsychotic versus classic neuroleptics. We have enrolled, prospectively, all patients with schizophrenia as confirmed by DSM-IV TR. These patients intakes antipsychotics for unless 6 months. We excluded patients with acute schizophrenia, mental deficiency and severe organic disease. Evaluation of clinical features is based on the PANSS scale (Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale). The quality of life is evaluated using the MOS-SF36 scale (Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form). Extra pyramidal symptoms were evaluated by the Chouinard scale. We have enrolled 65 patients; 35 under classic neuroleptics and 30 under atypical antipsychotics. Clinical features were similar in the two groups. Patients with atypical antipsychotics were less hospitalized (2.4 +/- 3.2 vs. 4.5 +/- 4.2; p = 0.02) and needing less anti cholinergic treatment (26.6% vs. 88.6%; p < 0.0001). Adverse effects were more common with classic neuroleptics (Pakinsonism score: 6.1 +/- 7 vs. 10.8 +/- 8.6; P = 0.01); global clinical dyskinesia 1.22 +/- 0.8 vs. 1.90 +/- 1.7; p = 0.04; global clinical judgement of parkinsonism (2.41 +/- 2.1 vs. 3.72 +/- 2.4; p = 0.02). Quality of life was better in patients with atypical antipsychotics on the basis of vitality (76.7 +/- 27.8 vs. 62 +/- 29.6; p = 0.04) and social function (53.3 +/- 33 vs. 36.9 +/- 27.5; p = 0.03) we found a negative correlation between adverse effects and quality of life in patients with classic neuroleptics. Quality of life of patients suffering from schizophrenia with atypical antipsychotics is better than in those with classic neuroleptics and this may be due to the frequency of adverse effects particularly extra pyramidal symptoms. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 20 | Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2009 May 44: 361-8 |
| PMID | 18974910 |
| Title | Predictors of general quality of life and the mediating role of health related quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. |
| Abstract | The concept 'quality of life' (QoL) has become increasingly important as an outcome measure in the evaluation of services and in clinical trials of people with schizophrenia. This study examines the mediating role of health related quality of life (HRQoL) in the prediction of general quality of life (GQoL). QoL and other patient- and illness characteristics (psychopathology, overall functioning, illness history, self-esteem and social integration) were measured in a group of 143 outpatients with schizophrenia. GQoL was measured by the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile and HRQoL was measured by the MOS SF-36. To test the temporal stability of our findings, assessments were performed twice with an 18-month interval. We found that patient's GQoL is predicted mainly by anxiety and depression and self-esteem and to a lesser extent by global functioning and social integration. At both time intervals HRQoL appeared to be a significant mediator of the relationship between anxiety and depression and self esteem versus patient's GQoL. The results of this study are important for mental health professionals, as these provide more insight in the mechanisms by which they could improve the GQoL of their patients with schizophrenia. The results confirm that diagnosis and treatment of anxiety and depression in outpatients with schizophrenia deserves careful attention of clinicians. Also strategies and specific interventions to improve self-esteem of patients with schizophrenia are very important to maximise patient's QoL. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 21 | Trials 2011 -1 12: 167 |
| PMID | 21726440 |
| Title | The serious mental illness health improvement profile [HIP]: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial. |
| Abstract | The serious mental illness Health Improvement Profile [HIP] is a brief pragmatic tool, which enables mental health nurses to work together with patients to screen physical health and take evidence-based action when variables are identified to be at risk. Piloting has demonstrated clinical utility and acceptability. A single blind parallel group cluster randomised controlled trial with secondary economic analysis and process observation. Unit of randomisation: mental health nurses [MHNs] working in adult community mental health teams across two NHS Trusts. Patients over 18 years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective or bipolar disorder on the caseload of participating MHNs. To determine the effects of the HIP programme on patients' physical wellbeing assessed by the physical component score of the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) 36 Item Short Form Health Survey version 2 [SF-36v2]. To determine the effects of the HIP programme on: cost effectiveness, mental wellbeing, cardiovascular risk, physical health care attitudes and knowledge of MHNs and to determine the acceptability of the HIP Programme in the NHS. Consented nurses (and patients) will be randomised to receive the HIP Programme or treatment as usual. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and 12 months with a process observation after 12 months to include evaluation of patients' and professionals' experience and observation of any effect on care plans and primary-secondary care interface communication. Outcomes will be analysed on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis. The results of the trial and process observation will provide information about the effectiveness of the HIP Programme in supporting MHNs to address physical comorbidity in serious mental illness. Given the current unacceptable prevalence of physical comorbidity and mortality in the serious mental illness population, it is hoped the HIP trial will provide a timely contribution to evidence on organisation and delivery of care for patients, clinicians and policy makers. ISRCTN41137900. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |
| 22 | Indian J Psychiatry 2012 Jan 54: 88-90 |
| PMID | 22556446 |
| Title | Klinefelter's syndrome (mosaic) with chromosome 9 inv and schizophrenia. |
| Abstract | Klinefelter's syndrome is a sex chroMOSome abnormality with low androgen level. The varied manifestations of the mental symptoms in some of them, that are inexplicable based on their genotype alone, has fascinated the researchers. We present here a case of Klinefelter's syndrome having a karyotype of MOS 47, XXY, and also inversion in 9(th) chroMOSome, with schizophrenia. Despite the view that inv 9 is a normal variant, it is still worthwhile to explore whether it has any role in the etiology of schizophrenia especially when it occurs with other genotypic aberrations that are suspected to have relevance to psychiatric disorders including the Klinefelter's syndrome. |
| SCZ Keywords | schizophrenia, schizophrenic, schizotypal |