Relationship between obsessive-compulsive and psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia patients

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relatiouship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and schizophreuia symptoms in schizo-obsessive patients, and to address the feature of insight. Methods Fifty-two cases of schizophrenia with obsessive-compulsive symptoms were assessed by Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale( YBOCS) and positive and negative syndrome scale(PANSS). Results The Y-BOCS overall severity score(26.7 ±4.78)was not correlated with the PANSS total score(86.9 ± 13.4)( r=0. 191 , P＞0.05), there was significant association between the insight score( 2.65 ±0.81 )and the PANSS total score( 86. 9 ± 13.4 ) ( r = 0. 416, P＜0. 01 ),and the same between the insight score( 2.65 ± 0. 81 )and the Y-BOCS overall severity score(26.7 ±4.78 ) ( r = 0. 387, P ＜ 0. 01 ). Conclusion Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and schizophrenia symptoms in schizo-obsessive patients are not correlated, obsessive-compulsive symptoms are not inherent symptoms of schizophrenia. As insight is correlated with both obsessive-compulsive symptoms and schizophrenia symptoms, anti-psychotic along with anti-compulsive treatment should be able to effectively improve the insight of schizo-obsessive patients. Key words: Schizophrenia; Obsessive-compulsive symptoms; Insight