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Daily Functioning in Schizophrenia: Is There Room for Anxiety?
Mariachiara Buonocore1, Francesca Bosinelli2, Margherita Bechi1
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|June 25, 2019
Summary
Anxiety significantly impacts functional outcomes in schizophrenia patients, alongside neurocognition. This suggests anxiety is a core feature of schizophrenia, crucial for clinical and research considerations.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder affecting cognitive and functional outcomes.
- The specific contribution of anxiety to functional impairment in schizophrenia requires further elucidation.
- Existing literature identifies neurocognition as a key predictor of functioning in schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of anxiety on functional outcomes in schizophrenia patients.
- To identify specific predictors of functional outcome, including anxiety and neurocognition.
- To understand the role of anxiety as a potential core feature in schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 105 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (DSM-IV-TR).
- Administered comprehensive assessments of functioning, psychopathology, and clinical-neuropsychology.
- Employed a forward stepwise regression model to analyze predictive factors for daily functioning.
Main Results:
- Global neurocognitive status and anxiety were significant predictors of daily functioning.
- Anxiety demonstrated a direct impact on functional outcome, independent of other factors.
- Neurocognition's established role in functioning was confirmed.
Conclusions:
- Anxiety is a significant contributing factor to functional deficits in schizophrenia.
- Trait anxiety may directly influence functional outcomes in schizophrenia.
- Findings underscore the importance of addressing anxiety in schizophrenia management and research.
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