Comorbidity in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Introduction:

The coexistence of comorbidity in schizophrenia (somatic, dual pathology, personality…) can conditionate evolution and prognosis in this severe mental illness, those aspects should be taken in account to planify treatments and follow up issues.

Objective:

We are interested in this work in evaluate previous and developed comorbidity in schizophrenic patients; we also analyzed comorbidity consequences in clinical, therapeutical management, treatment adherence, relapses and hospitalizations.

Material and method:

In 50 Schizophrenic patients (DSM-IV TR Diagnostic criteria) with at least one previous psychotic episode we have studied longitudinal and transversally sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutical variables, related comorbidity (somatic, drugs related and dual pathology) and evolution, prognosis, clinical, treatment adherence and tolerance variables were also studied. We also evaluate psychopathologic and medical status (EEG, EKG, Chest RX, BMI, body weight, general analysis) secondary effects were registered. Uxue and CGI were the scales used.

Results:

Between 20% and 25% had other medical conditions, and 25-30% had some kind of drug abuse, those were who had worse prognosis, more secondary effects and usually were treated with classic antipsychotics.

Conclusions:

The results are discussed, and we propose integrative treatments for schizophrenia and the co morbidities, focusing on affectivity and tolerance.