The effect of depression on objective and subjective quality of life in schizophrenia diagnosed patients

Abstract

Introduction: Quality of life is an important parameter that clinicians must take into serious consideration when managing a patient with schizophrenia. It is crucial that more studies are performed in order to extend our knowledge of factors that influence quality of life to better approach treatment in patients with schizophrenia, a chronic, life-time disease. Method: We evaluated patients who met DSM IV or ICD-10 criteria of schizophrenia that were admitted in the “Alexandru Obregia” Psychiatric Hospital in Bucharest between 01.10.2009 – 01.10.2012. This was a prospective non-interventional study assessing quality of life in chronic schizophrenia patients. Our purpose was to evaluate quality of life in patients presenting symptoms of depression measured on the G6 sub-scale of the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample and simple linear regressions were used to assess the impact of depression on quality of life and self-esteem (determined through the Global Assessment of Functioning - GAF, World Health Association - WHO-QOL and Rosenberg Self Esteem Inventory). Results: We included all the patients that did not have any missing data, resulting in a total of 110. Forty-five (14.6%) were males and the mean (standard deviation) age was 40.2 (10.37) years. The mean PANSS G6 score was 3, representing mild to moderate depression. Schizophrenia patients with depression had poorer quality of life, specifically in the physical (p=.002), social relationships (p=.034) and psychological domains (p=.005) of the WHO-QOL It was also related to lower self-esteem (p=.001) as measured by Rosenberg Inventory and had no impact (p=.259) on GAF score. Conclusion: Depression is frequent in schizophrenia and has a negative impact on quality of life. It is important to acknowledge these symptoms and thoroughly treat them in order to improve quality of life in these patients.