Pre-morbid personality trait and cognitive function impact on schizophrenia course and social maladaptation

Abstract

Background

Certain personality traits are found in persons with high risk for schizophrenia onset and therefore it could be used as diagnostic marker.

Objectives

To analyze correlations between personality traits and cognitive functions on schizophrenia onset and its course and social adaptation.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in Riga center of psychiatry and narcology, Latvia. Study consisted of two parts. In the first part, data on first presentation schizophrenia patients hospitalized in 2006 was collected from medical records. Patients without completed MMPI, Schulte table; visual memory and 10 words recall tests were excluded from study group. The Second part of the study consisted of participant interviews that were held in early 2016 acquiring demographic data and each participant completed a Sheehan disability scale (SDS). Microsoft Excel 2016 and SPSSv22 were used for data operation.

Results

Study group consisted of 11 males and 20 females (35.5%/64.5%). Mean age of participants was 37 years (IQR = 48–33), but mean age at onset of first schizophrenia symptoms was 27 years (IQR = 37–21). 68% (n = 21) of participants had schizoid personality traits as per MMPI and they had higher results on all SDS subscales. There was a negative correlation between the SDS score in the first section with the occupational level in 2006 (P = 0.065) and 2016 (P = 0.040) and marital status in 2016 (P = 0.040) in those with psychopathy scale.

Conclusion

The hypothesis that schizoid personality traits are a leading factor in the onset of schizophrenia, have not been proven. Schizophrenia patients with psychopathic personality traits are likely to have better social adaptation.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.