Quality Of Life In Schizophrenia Research Articles

Schizophrenia and Orthoptic Conditions: A Literature Review.

A narrative review of the literature reporting ocular abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia was undertaken to determine the types and prevalence of orthoptic conditions in this patient cohort. A systematic search of multiple databases yielded 1,974 studies published between January 1992 and January 2022. All were screened for relevance based on their title and abstract. Seventeen studies were included in the final review. Ocular abnormalities reported in schizophrenia included a high incidence of strabismus, reduced visual acuity and reduced stereopsis compared to controls. Additionally, eye movement abnormalities (including reduced smooth pursuit gain and increased prosaccade latency) were frequently reported. Reduced visual acuity was associated with negative symptoms and reduced quality of life in schizophrenia. Orthoptists and eye care professionals should be aware that a higher incidence of strabismus, reduced visual acuity, reduced stereoacuity, and eye movement abnormalities are reported in patients with schizophrenia. Further research is required to determine whether, or to what extent, ocular abnormalities and visual disturbances influence or exacerbate the symptoms of schizophrenia, and whether there is an effect of schizophrenia medication on these orthoptic conditions.

Impact of negative symptoms on health-related quality of life in schizophrenia.

Evidence regarding the association of Negative Symptoms (NS) dimensions with Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is limited and no prior study has looked into contributions of NS domains on HRQoL. This study bridges the gap by examining the associations of NS, its two dimensions (Motivation and Pleasure, and Emotional Expressivity) and five domains (Anhedonia, Avolition, Asociality, Blunted affect and Alogia) with HRQoL in schizophrenia. 274 individuals with schizophrenia were assessed on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS). PANSS scores were mapped to EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D-5L) utility scores using an algorithm previously validated in Singapore, and the resulting EQ-5D-5L scores were used as a measure of HRQoL. Multiple linear regression analyses of the two NS dimensions and five NS domains against EQ-5D-5L showed that a lower severity of NS, specifically that of the Motivation and Pleasure (MAP) dimension and asociality domain was associated with higher HRQoL. Our findings highlight the importance of targeting NS, particularly MAP and asociality, in improving HRQoL in schizophrenia.

Predicting Quality of life of Schizophrenia Patients

Background: Previous studies on sociodemographic characteristics connected to quality of life in schizophrenia discovered inconsistent results. This study aims to analyze predicting factors of quality of life (QoL) of schizophrenia patients. Methods: A quantitative study included 153 respondents who were selected using random sampling at the State Psychiatric Hospital Surakarta. The research instruments were a questionnaire containing questions about demographics consisting of age, age at first experiencing schizophrenia, gender, education level, work status, marital status, frequency of treatment, duration of suffering from schizophrenia, insight, physical health problems and quality of life by using WHOQOL-BREF. The analyses used were Spearmen's rank (rho) and the Pearson Chi-Square to analyze factors connected to QoL of schizophrenia patients and multiple logistic regression tests to analyze predictors of QoL of schizophrenia patients. This study was conducted in the State Psychiatric Hospital of Surakarta from September 2020 to March 2021. Results: There were 4 characteristics of sociodemographic that have a positive significant relationship with the overall quality of life of schizophrenia patient, namely work status (p = 0.000), marital status with p = 0.000, gender (p=0.032), and adherence to take medicine with p=0.015 (p <0.05). marital status and work status that influence the quality of life (p=0.000 and p=0.001). Marital status and work status influence the quality of life (p=0.000 and p=0.001), the largest OR value obtained is 25.499. It means that married patients have a 25.499 times chance of having a better quality of life controlled by work status. Conclusion: Marital status and work status are predictors of QoL of schizophrenia. In providing services to schizophrenic patients, health professional need to pay attention in assessing social demographics such as work status and marital status so that appropriate action can be taken with an approach to these aspects.

Exploring cross-sectional and longitudinal symptomatic remission and subjective quality of life in schizophrenia

Achieving symptomatic remission, as defined by the Remission in Schizophrenia Working Group, is intended to be a meaningful outcome for individuals with schizophrenia, resulting in enhanced well-being. Cross-sectional studies have reported an association between symptomatic remission and subjective quality of life (QoL). Longitudinal studies aimed at examining this association have showed mixed results. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between symptomatic remission and subjective QoL, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.The study comprised data from what were at most 386 patients with schizophrenia, of whom 122–140 were followed over a period of four years. Based on cross-sectional remission status and longitudinal remission pattern, differences in subjective QoL were explored. Remission status was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and subjective QoL using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36).Both the cross-sectional and the longitudinal approach showed that patients in symptomatic remission had significantly higher subjective QoL. Patients who were in non-remission at baseline, but who achieved remission at follow-up, also had significantly higher subjective QoL at follow-up compared with baseline.The results from the study show a clear association between symptomatic remission and subjective QoL. However, achieving symptomatic remission does not appear to be a guarantee of sustained subjective QoL, and only continued stable remission appears to result in such an outcome.

How Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Correlate with other Symptoms and Quality of Life in Schizophrenia? A Cross-Sectional Study.

Early psychiatrists inferred that obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) represent a defense against psychosis and prevent the progression of schizophrenia. However, recent clinical research has yielded inconsistent results across studies regarding the link between OCS and the symptom domains of schizophrenia and the influence OCS have on a patient's functioning and quality of life (QOL).This study aimed to determine whether OCS has any association with the symptom severity, functioning, and QOL of schizophrenia patients. This cross-sectional study done in a tertiary care hospital consecutively recruited 85 outpatients of schizophrenia in clinical remission over one year. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), WHO Quality of Life Brief Version (WHO QOL-BREF), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scales were applied. Eighteen patients (21.2%) had OCS (Y-BOCS score of ≥8). Patients with OCS had higher PANSS scores (mean±SD of total score 77.16± 16.4, P < 0.001), suggestive of more severe psychosis, poor functioning overall (mean GAF score 37.35 ± 15.62, P < 0.001), and poor QOL in the psychological domain (P < 0.001). In addition, significant associations were present between the Y-BOCS score and the PANSS (r = 0.65), GAF (r = -0.61), and WHO QOL BREF scores in the physical (r = -0.39), and psychological domains (r = -0.41) (P < 0.001 on all of the above). Patients with OCS have more severe symptoms and a lower QOL. A significant association exists between the intensity of OCS and schizophrenia symptoms, global functioning, and QOL.

Impact of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Psychosis on Quality of Life in Schizophrenia - Recent Findings

Impact of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Psychosis on Quality of Life in Schizophrenia - Recent Findings

A controlled open clinical trial of the positive effect of a physical intervention on quality of life in schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder associated with important physical (obesity and low motor functional capacity) and metabolic (diabetes and cardiovascular diseases) changes that contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle and a low quality of life. The study aimed to measure the effect of two different protocols of physical exercise [aerobic intervention (AI) versus functional intervention ([FI)] on lifestyle in schizophrenia compared with healthy sedentary subjects. A controlled clinical trial involving patients diagnosed with schizophrenia from two different locations [Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) and Centro de Atenção Psicosocial (CAPS) in the city of Camaquã] was carried out. The patients undertook two different exercise protocols (IA: 5-min warm-up of comfortable intensity; 45 min of aerobic exercise of increasing intensity using any of the three modalities-a stationary bicycle, a treadmill, or an elliptical trainer; and 10 min of global stretching of large muscle groups; and FI: a 5 min warm-up with a stationary walk; 15 min of muscle and joint mobility exercises; 25 min of global muscle resistance exercises; and 15 min of breathing body awareness work) twice a week for 12 weeks and were compared with physically inactive healthy controls. Clinical symptoms (BPRS), life quality (SF-36), and physical activity levels (SIMPAQ) were evaluated. The significance level was p ≤ 0.05. The trial involved 38 individuals, of which 24 from each group performed the AI, and 14 from each group underwent the FI. This division of interventions was not randomized but was instead decided upon for convenience. The cases showed significant improvements in quality of life and lifestyle, but these differences were greater in the healthy controls. Both interventions were very beneficial, with the functional intervention tending to be more effective in the cases and the aerobic intervention more effective in the controls. Supervised physical activity improved life quality and reduced sedentary lifestyle in adults with schizophrenia.

Impact of Cognitive Impairments on Health-Related Quality of Life in Schizophrenia.

The impact of cognitive impairments on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with schizophrenia is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the association between cognitive impairments and HRQoL in individuals with schizophrenia. A total of 609 individuals with schizophrenia were assessed on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and a neurocognitive battery which comprised of the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence matrix reasoning, the Benton Judgment of Line Orientation Test, Continuous Performance Tests-Identical Pairs, and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia. A cognitive factor g was derived from the neurocognitive battery. EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D-5L) utility scores were derived from PANSS scores via a previously validated algorithm and used as a measure of HRQoL. Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to examine the association between cognitive factor g and the EQ-5D-5L. Cognitive factor g (β = 0.189, t = 4.956, p < 0.001) was found to be significantly associated with EQ-5D-5L scores. Age (β = -0.258, t = -6.776, p < 0.001), sex (β = 0.081, t = 2.117, p = 0.035), and being employed (β = 0.091, t = 2.317, p = 0.021) were also significant predictors of EQ-5D-5L. Our results add to the extant literature on the burden cognitive impairments exact in individuals with schizophrenia. More research is needed to develop effective interventions for cognitive impairments in schizophrenia.

The relationship between psychopathology, occupational balance, and quality of life among people with schizophrenia.

There is an increased risk of occupational imbalance and poor quality of life (QoL) if one has schizophrenia. Although evidence suggests a relationship between psychopathology and QoL, the association of occupational balance (OB) with QoL in schizophrenia is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations among psychopathology, occupational balance, and QoL in schizophrenia. This was a cross-sectional study carried out in a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC). Ninety-five individuals aged 18 years or older with the diagnosis of schizophrenia participated in the study. All participants completed a sociodemographic form, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale in Schizophrenia (CDSS), Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11 Turkish Version (OBQ11-T), and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Assessment Instrument (WHOQOL-100-TR). Relationships among clinical and depressive symptoms, OB, and QoL variables were examined through correlation analysis, and then multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the variables that have influences on QOL. The study participants had low OB scores and the lowest mean in the WHOQOL-social relationships subscale. WHOQOL-overall QoL score demonstrated a moderate negative correlation with the PANSS-total score and PANSS-general psychopathology subscale score (r = -0.422, r = -0.463, P < 0.001) and a mild negative correlation with the CDSS-total score (r = -0.390, P < 0.001). OBQ11-T total score showed a moderate positive correlation with the WHOQOL-overall score (r = 0.549; P < 0.001). Findings from the multiple linear regression analysis revealed that OBQ11-T (β = -0.467, P = 0.000) and PANSS-general psychopathology (β = -0.221, P = 0.045) were significant predictors of the overall QoL, explaining 48% of the variance in the overall QoL (adjusted R2 = .43, P < 0.001). Our study findings showed that OB and general psychopathology are determinants that should be considered in improving the QoL in individuals with schizophrenia. Thereby, addressing the symptoms of general psychopathology and occupational factors to improve the QoL may be achieved with the incorporation of occupation-based programmes to routine treatment. However, further research is required.

Theta-Burst Stimulation over the pre-Supplementary Motor Area in Schizophrenia and comorbid substance use disorder: Preliminary clinical data

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a debilitating disorder, which tremendously impacts the psychological, social, and financial aspects of a patient’s life. Frequently, SZ patients present with poor insight, which can even worsen the symptomatology. Antipsychotic medications frequently result in suboptimal outcomes, especially the ones concerning negative and cognitive symptoms. Accordingly, new therapeutic options are warranted. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has been adopted in SZ with promising results. Continuous Theta burst stimulation (cTBS) is a particular brief and effective form of TMS. It has been successfully applied in patients with poor cognitive control (e.g., gambling disorder patients) targeting the pre-Supplementary Motor Area (pre-SMA). Given that poor cognitive control has been regarded as a core deficit in SZ, 11 patients with SZ were included in this study and treated with cTBS for a total of 10 sessions during a two-week period. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with a diagnosis of SZ in comorbidity with Substance Use Disorder (SZ + SUD) vs SZ. Patients were evaluated before and after treatment, assessing executive functions, awareness, and nicotine craving. Within-group comparisons showed a significant reduction in the Scale to assess Unawareness in Mental Disorders (SUMD) scores (p &lt; 0.05) and in the test of Fagerstrom (to assess nicotine dependence) scores (p &lt; 0.001) before and after treatment in the SZ + SUD group. These results showed the efficacy of cTBS for craving reduction as well as in improving awareness of the illness and of treatment. This can be considered a remarkable result since better insight has been previously associated with an improved quality of life in SZ.

Effects of electroconvulsive therapy on cognition and quality of life in schizophrenia

The effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on quality of life (QoL), and its relationship with symptom and cognitive change remains unclear. We aim to examine the association of QoL changes with psychiatric symptom and cognitive changes among patients with schizophrenia who underwent ECT. This is a retrospective cohort study of 132 patients who received ECT from July 2017 to December 2019. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from medical records. Changes in QoL, psychiatric symptoms and cognition function were examined after 6 sessions of ECT. Generalised linear regression was used to examine the associations of Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores with QoL as measured by EQ-5D scores. The mean (standard error) improvements after ECT were statistically significant for the assessment scales of EQ-5D utility score: 0.77 (0.02) to 0.89 (0.02), P<0.001; EuroQol-5-Dimension (EQ-5D) visual analogue scale score: 66.82 (2.61) to 73.05 (1.93), P=0.012; and EQ-5D subdomain scores. Both improvement in BPRS (adjusted β coefficient -0.446, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.840 to -0.052) and MoCA (adjusted β 12.068, 95% CI 0.865 to 12.271) scores were significantly associated with improvement in EQ-5D utility scores after adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Improvement of BPRS scores (psychiatric symptoms) was significantly associated with improvement of the patients' mental health that was assessed by EQ-5D subdomain scores of pain (adjusted β coefficient 0.012, 95% CI 0.004 to 0.021) and anxiety (adjusted β coefficient 0.013, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.024). Improvement of MoCA scores (cognitive function) was significantly associated with patients' physical health as assessed by EQ-5D subdomain score of usual activity (adjusted β coefficient -0.349, 95% CI -0.607 to -0.09). ECT was associated with an overall improvement of QoL among patients with schizophrenia. The improvement of psychiatric symptoms was found to be significantly associated with better mental health while the improvement of cognitive function was associated with better physical health.

Quality of life in patients with schizophrenia

There is limited evidence from India on the effect schizophrenia has on the quality of life (QoL) of patients.Our study aimed to determine the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia and analyze its determinants. This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the psychiatric outpatient department of SLN Medical College and Hospital in Koraput among 100 adult patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.Data was collected by psychiatrists usingthe Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) tool along with the WHO QoL BREF versionHADS (Hamilton Anxietyand Depression Scale) and GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning) tools. Among the participants, the lowest scores for WHOQOL-BREF werereported in the psychological domain of health (mean=11.6; SD=2.3), followed by the social domain (mean=12.2; SD=3.3) and environmental domains (mean=13.8; SD=2.4). The highest score was seen in the physical health domain (mean=13.9; SD=2.6). In general, the QoL was better among females than males. We found a significant association between the socio-demographic characteristicssuch as social support and the quality of life in schizophrenia. Significantly higher scores wererecorded from respondents who had good financial and living conditions and this was seen in all domains of the quality of life.

Improving quality of life with nutritional supplementation in Schizophrenia: A literature review

IntroductionSchizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental health disorder, affecting 20 million people worldwide. Diet is a social determinant of health and is among one of the modifiable prognostic factors for schizophrenics. Previous research in nutritional psychiatry has shown that a balanced and healthy diet in this patient population has the potential to improve cognition, decrease positive and negative symptoms of the disease, and improve the overall metabolic profile.1,3Objectives To understand the evidence on the role that nutritional supplements play in improving quality of life in Schizophrenia by improving cognitive symptoms and decrease mortality by decreasing chances of metabolic syndrome and CVD. Demonstrate how certain supplements can improve cognitive symptoms, and decrease positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenicsMethodsPubMed was used to search for articles within the past 10 yearsResultsA total of 29 articles were initially generated, of which only 5 fit the search criteria. Each specific search produced more articles, and after carefully reading each, a total of 14 articles was determined to fit the criteria. All, but two articles included PANSS score assessment. The studies on vitamin D, cycloserine and omega 3’s produced conflictingConclusionsSupplementation of vitamin D, Konjac powder, D-cycloserine, sarcosine, and omega 3’s have the potential to improve symptomatology and enhance the quality of life of schizophrenics. D-serine and sodium benzoate have not been shown to be effective adjunctive treatments in schizophrenia. Due to a limited number of studies for each, more research is indicated to truly determine the public health significance.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Prediction of quality of life in schizophrenia using machine learning models on data from Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) schizophrenia trial

While research focus remains mainly on psychotic symptoms, it is questionable whether we are placing enough emphasis on improving the quality of life (QoL) of schizophrenia patients. To date, the predictive power of QoL remained limited. Therefore, this study aimed to accurately predict the QoL within schizophrenia using supervised learning methods. The authors report findings from participants of a large randomized, double-blind clinical trial for schizophrenia treatment. Potential predictors of QoL included all available and non-redundant variables from the dataset. By optimizing parameters, three linear LASSO regressions were calculated (N = 697, 692, and 786), including 44, 47, and 41 variables, with adjusted R-squares ranging from 0.31 to 0.36. Best predictors included social and emotion-related symptoms, neurocognition (processing speed), education, female gender, treatment attitudes, and mental, emotional, and physical health. These results demonstrate that machine learning is an excellent predictive tool to process clinical data. It appears that the patient’s perception of their treatment has an important impact on patients’ QoL and that interventions should consider this aspect.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00014001.

Machine learning classification of schizophrenia patients and healthy controls using diverse neuroanatomical markers and Ensemble methods

Schizophrenia is a major psychiatric disorder that imposes enormous clinical burden on patients and their caregivers. Determining classification biomarkers can complement clinical measures and improve understanding of the neural basis underlying schizophrenia. Using neuroanatomical features, several machine learning based investigations have attempted to classify schizophrenia from healthy controls but the range of neuroanatomical measures employed have been limited in range to date. In this study, we sought to classify schizophrenia and healthy control cohorts using a diverse set of neuroanatomical measures (cortical and subcortical volumes, cortical areas and thickness, cortical mean curvature) and adopted Ensemble methods for better performance. Additionally, we correlated such neuroanatomical features with Quality of Life (QoL) assessment scores within the schizophrenia cohort. With Ensemble methods and diverse neuroanatomical measures, we achieved classification accuracies ranging from 83 to 87%, sensitivities and specificities varying between 90–98% and 65–70% respectively. In addition to lower QoL scores within schizophrenia cohort, significant correlations were found between specific neuroanatomical measures and psychological health, social relationship subscale domains of QoL. Our results suggest the utility of inclusion of subcortical and cortical measures and Ensemble methods to achieve better classification performance and their potential impact of parsing out neurobiological correlates of quality of life in schizophrenia.

Impact of drug-induced Parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia on health-related quality of life in schizophrenia.

Both drug-induced Parkinsonism (DIP) and tardive dyskinesia (TD) have been shown to be associated with lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in schizophrenia, but few studies have examined their relative impact. This study aimed to examine and compare the association of DIP and TD with HRQOL in schizophrenia. In total, 903 patients with schizophrenia were assessed on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS), and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). EuroQoL five-dimensional (EQ-5D-5L) utility scores were derived from PANSS scores via a previously validated algorithm and used as a measure of HRQOL. In total, 160 (17.7%) participants had only DIP, 119 (13.2%) had only TD, and 123 (13.6%) had both DIP and TD. HRQOL was lowest for participants with both DIP and TD, followed by only DIP group, only TD group, and highest in the group with neither condition. HRQOL scores differed significantly between the four groups, F(3, 892) = 13.724, p < 0.001, = 0.044). HRQOL of participants having only DIP or both DIP and TD was significantly lower than those having neither condition. There was no significant interaction between the presence of DIP and TD on the association with HRQOL. DIP was the main antipsychotic-induced movement disorder associated with a poorer HRQOL in patients with schizophrenia. Therefore, clinicians should focus on prevention, detection, and effective management of DIP to optimize HRQOL in patients with schizophrenia.

P.0771 Targeting quality of life in schizophrenia: the fil rouge between metabolic syndrome and anxiety

P.0771 Targeting quality of life in schizophrenia: the fil rouge between metabolic syndrome and anxiety

Dysfunctional Overnight Memory Consolidation in Patients with Schizophrenia in Comparison to Healthy Controls: Disturbed Slow-Wave Sleep as Contributing Factor?

Introduction: Memory deficiency has been shown in schizophrenia patients, but results on the role of sleep parameters in overnight consolidation of associative verbal memory are still missing. Therefore, the aim of our study was to elucidate underlying processes of impaired sleep-related consolidation of associative word pairs in schizophrenia including standard sleep parameters as well as sleep spindle counts and spectral analysis. Methods: Eighteen stably medicated schizophrenia patients and 24 healthy age-matched controls performed an associative declarative memory task before and after polysomnographic recordings. Part of the participants expected verbal associative memory testing in the morning, while the others did not. Furthermore, participants filled in self-rating questionnaires of schizophrenia-typical experiences (Eppendorf Schizophrenia Inventory [ESI] and Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale). Results: Schizophrenia patients performed worse in verbal declarative memory in the evening as well as in overnight consolidation (morning compared to evening performance). While duration of slow-wave sleep was nearly comparable between groups, schizophrenia patients showed lower sleep spindle count, reduced delta power during slow-wave sleep, and reduced spindle power during the slow oscillation (SO) up-state. In healthy but not in schizophrenia patients, a linear relationship between overnight memory consolidation and slow-wave sleep duration as well as delta power was evident. No significant effect with respect to the expectation of memory retrieval was evident in our data. Additionally, we observed a negative linear relationship between total number of sleep spindles and ESI score in healthy participants. Discussion/Conclusion: As expected, schizophrenia patients showed deficient overnight verbal declarative memory consolidation as compared to healthy controls. Reduced sleep spindles, delta power, and spindle power during the SO up-state may link sleep and memory deficiency in schizophrenia. Additionally, the absence of a linear relationship between sleep-related memory consolidation and slow-wave sleep as well as delta power suggests further functional impairments in schizophrenia. Note that this conclusion is based on observational data. Future studies should investigate if stimulation of delta waves during sleep could improve memory performance and thereby quality of life in schizophrenia.

Predictors of social functioning and quality of life in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder

Schizophrenia (SZ) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) show overlap in social cognitive and functioning impairments. Proposed predictors of social functioning (SF) and quality of life (QL) have been symptom severity, IQ and social cognition. Empathy has rarely been compared between ASD and SZ and its predictive power on functional outcomes is unclear. We investigated general, affective, and cognitive empathy in 46 SZ, 30 ASD and 51 healthy controls (HC) and examined their relationship to SF and QL in addition to IQ and symptoms. SZ and ASD shared deficits in general and cognitive empathy, and personal distress, but only SZ showed deficits in affective empathy. Both groups showed lower performance-based empathy scores and only ASD showed slower responses compared to HC. Negative symptoms predicted QL in both groups, the more negative symptoms the worse QL (ASD t=-3.22; SZ t= -3.43; p<0.01), and only in ASD, IQ predicted QL, the higher the IQ the higher QL (t = 2.1; p<0.05). In ASD only, negative symptoms predicted SF, the greater negative symptoms the worse SF (t=-3.45; p<0.01), and communication deficits predicted SF, the higher deficits, the higher SF (t = 2.9; p<0.01). Negative symptoms but not empathy were the shared predictors of functioning across ASD and SZ.

The relationship between emotional intelligence and quality of life in schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder

PurposeSocial cognitive skills, both psychosocial functioning and well-being of patients with schizophrenia (SZ) or bipolar disorder (BD), have consistently been shown to be interrelated. While previous research mainly focused on emotion perception, the present study investigates the impact of the other subdomains of emotion processing on a subjective Quality of Life (QoL) estimate and objective QoL indicators. We hypothesized that patients with better performance in the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) report better QoL; and assumed that SZ and BD patients report comparable subjective QoL, whereas BD patients show higher levels of objective QoL.MethodsPatients diagnosed with either SZ (n = 63) or BD (n = 60), as well as 80 healthy controls, were included into a cross-sectional study. Emotional Intelligence (EI) and QoL were assessed using the MSCEIT and the German version of the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile.ResultsThe two patient groups were comparable with regard to overall EI, as well as subjective and objective QoL, but indicated significantly lower levels of EI and QoL than healthy controls. Whereas EI was not associated with both patient groups’ subjective QoL, a significant correlation of EI with objective QoL was only observed in SZ. However, overall effect sizes were small.ConclusionOur findings point to a difference in the interrelation between EI and QoL in patients suffering from SZ and BD, and suggest that they may have different needs to achieve recovery. It will be critical to develop training programs targeting EI in SZ, and to examine their impact on objective QoL in these patients.