Study of Clinical Correlates and Symptomatology with Level of Functioning in Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Abstract Background: The burden of schizophrenia is largely due to deficits it causes in functioning. However, the variables influencing and predicting real-life functioning have not been systematically investigated in such patients. Aims: The aims of this study were to study the sociodemographic data, illness-related variables, and level of functioning in patients with schizophrenia and to assess the relationship between clinical correlates, symptomatology, and level of functioning. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the psychiatry outpatient department of a teaching hospital. Sociodemographic and illness-related data were collected using a semi-structured pro forma. Schizophrenia was diagnosed as per the International Classification of Diseases-10 criteria, and severity of symptoms was rated using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Functional outcomes were rated using the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) and Specific Level of Functioning (SLOF) scale. The data were compiled, tabulated, and analyzed. Results: A total of 170 patients suffering from schizophrenia with a mean age of 38.22 years were recruited for the study. On the SOFAS, 56.5% of patients scored more than 60, indicating good functionality. It was found that age at onset had a positive correlation, whereas duration of illness, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), positive family history of psychosis, and PANSS scores had a negative correlation with SOFAS and SLOF subdomain scores. Conclusion: In patients with schizophrenia, male gender, unemployment, positive family history of psychosis, lower age at onset, longer duration of illness, longer DUP, and greater symptom severity (positive and negative) are associated with poor functioning.