Open Access

Predictive factors and symptom severity spectrum in adult schizophrenia: Potential insights for improved management and adequate care

  • Authors:
    • Floris Petru Iliuta
    • Mihnea Costin Manea
    • Andreea Teodorescu
    • Radu-Mihail Lacau
    • Mirela Manea
    • Aliss Madalina Mares
    • Corina Ioana Varlam
    • Constantin Alexandru Ciobanu
    • Adela Magdalena Ciobanu
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: July 16, 2024     https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2024.1820
  • Article Number: 132
  • Copyright: © Iliuta et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )


Abstract

Schizophrenia is one of the most disabling psychiatric disorders characterized by positive (hallucinations, delusions, formal thinking disorder) and negative symptoms (anhedonia, lack of speech and motivation). The present study aimed to identify the predictive factors of schizophrenia in adults, and potential differences in the environment of origin, sex, levels of occupational stress, intellectual level, marital status and age of onset of the disease depending on the severity of symptoms using analysis of data collected from 120 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The study was conducted at the ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Psychiatric Hospital in Bucharest and included adult patients hospitalized between March 2018 and January 2021 diagnosed with schizophrenia and evaluated by general clinical examination, psychiatric, neurological and psychological evaluation. Results revealed that robust predictors of mild and moderate symptoms were affective symptoms, heredo‑collateral history of schizophrenia, late onset, the presence of positive and negative symptoms, substance abuse, stress and marital status, unmarried, lower IQ and mental deficiency. For moderate‑severe and severe symptoms, predictors were affective symptoms, heredo‑collateral history of schizophrenia and affective disorders, substance abuse, stress, borderline IQ and mild mental deficiency. The present results can be used for further development of psychopharmacological management of schizophrenia.

Introduction

Schizophrenia is described as one of the most disabling psychiatric disorders characterized by positive (hallucinations, delusions, formal thinking disorders) and negative symptoms (anhedonia, lack of speech and lack of motivation) (1).

Positive symptomatology is associated with heightened dopaminergic activity in the mesencephalic and cortical regions. Conversely, negative and dyscognitive symptoms are associated with a reduction in dopaminergic transmission originating from the cerebral cortex, particularly in the prefrontal cerebral cortex (2).

The prevalence of schizophrenia worldwide is estimated at 0.33-0.75% (3,4). Pharmacological management of schizophrenia needs to consider aspects such as metabolic disturbances (such as obesity) (5).

A set of causes has not yet been discovered as the basic mechanism for this disorder, schizophrenia being considered a heterogeneous disorder with multiple etiologies (6-8). Schizophrenia is hereditary for 80% of patients, although schizophrenia has numerous aetiologies (9). Scherr et al (10) and Martínez-Ortega et al (11) examined risk factors for schizophrenia; these include obstetric complications, birth during winter or spring, premorbid behavioral disorders, delayed motor or language development, exposure to toxic substances in utero, or adverse effects of medications. In a study by Chandra et al (12), 41.9% of patients were non-compliant with medication over a 5-month period. Factors associated with non-compliance include younger age, early onset of illness, unemployment, poor insight into illness and higher Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores on the positive items. Denial of illness is the primary reason for non-compliance, with other factors including financial burden, lack of illness knowledge, limited treatment access, medication side effects and substance abuse (12). Extensive studies have concluded that aspects associated with intrauterine development can also influence risk of future development of schizophrenia, such as malnutrition (13,14) or infections during pregnancy (15,16), obstetrical complications (17), genetic influence (18), substance abuse (19-22) and stress (23,24). These predictive factors can also trigger early onset of schizophrenia in adult patients. A meta-analysis concluded that targeting enhanced social support in individuals with severe mental illness has a significant impact on the quality of life, although it did not translate into a clinically significant improvement in perceived social support (25). Another study found that rural patients generally have lower quality of life compared with urban patients across all measured domains (social functioning, self care, career, economic support, vocational skills training, input in mental health services, community rehabilitation services, and social support). Factors such as marital status, vocational skills, physical exercise and social support affect quality of life among urban patients. Age, marital status and proximity to medical institutions are significant factors affecting quality of life among rural patients (26).

One of the most severe consequences of schizophrenia is the increased risk of suicide or suicidal behavior. The incidence of suicide among individuals with schizophrenia is ~10% (27). Evaluating the risk of suicide is challenging, with depression and suicide attempts emerging as primary risk factors. Notably, young men undergoing inpatient care appear to be particularly susceptible. In a comprehensive study involving 288 schizophrenic patients, nearly half (49%) acknowledged a history of lifelong self-harm during interviews (28). The motivation behind self-harm is not necessarily suicidal, although it may coexist with suicidal ideation and serve as a potent predictor of completed suicide. There is a heightened risk of suicide among individuals with a history of self-harm and poor social support (29). Suicide prevalence among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially as an expression of isolation and insufficient access to proper psychiatric treatment (27-30).

With technological progress that allows better imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) and MRI, research on schizophrenia imaging has grown considerably; neuroimaging studies conducted on patients diagnosed with schizophrenia revealed several cerebral modifications: Enlargement of the Virchow spaces, lesions of the white matter with demyelinating appearance and inflammatory sinus reactions (31,32).

The present study aimed to identify possible differences in the place of living (rural/urban), sex, levels of occupational stress, intellectual level, marital status and age of onset of the disease depending on the severity of symptoms, as well as possible influences of family and personal medical history (hereditary history, substance abuse, intellectual level, number of positive and negative symptoms, affective symptoms, late onset of schizophrenia) and socio-demographic factors (marital status, occupational stress level, substance abuse) on the severity of schizophrenia in adult patients.

Materials and methods

Patients

The study was conducted at the ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Psychiatric Hospital (Bucharest, Romania) and included 120 adult patients, aged between 18 and 69 years, 46 females and 74 males, hospitalized between March 2018 and January 2021 diagnosed with schizophrenia who agreed to participate by signing adequate informed consent. Exclusion criteria was represented by comorbid psychiatric or other illness (such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's Disease).

Methods

The diagnosis was established according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition Text Revision (DSM IV TR) and International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) criteria as per national regulations (33,34). In all cases, the personal and family history was noted regarding positive family history for psychiatric disorders (family study conducted through diagnostic interviews with relatives; first degree relatives included parents and siblings, second degree relatives included aunts, uncles, grandparents or step-siblings), factors such as high professional stress, marital status (married/unmarried) and intellectual level and positive personal history of other psychiatric disorders (affective disorders, especially depression).

The severity of symptoms was established at diagnosis by the attending psychiatrist as follows: 0, not present; 1, equivocal; 2, present, but mild; 3, present and moderate; 4, present and severe and 5, present and serious, according to the DSM-5 using the Clinician-Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity Scale (35).

Late onset was considered as diagnosis at age ≥18 years. All patients received antipsychotic treatment in appropriate dosing regimen following national guidelines. There were no cases of treatment resistant schizophrenia.

All patients were evaluated by general clinical examination, psychiatric, neurological and psychological evaluation.

Symptom severity was categorized mild-moderate or severe-serious. Variables were structured in two groups for easier data management as follows: Group 1 consisting of: positive, negative, affective symptoms, late onset, hereditary antecedents and Group 2 consisting of: stress, intelligence level, marital status, consumption of substances.

Intellectual level was determined using Raven's Progressive Matrices Standard Version (36) and DSM IV TR by intelligence Quotient (IQ) and grouped as follows: ≥130=very high, 120-129=high, 110-119=medium-high, 90-109=medium, 80-89=medium-low, 70-79=low, ≤69=very low.

Statistical analysis

Statistical data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 22 software (IBM Corp.), open-source Jeffrey's Amazing Statistics Program version 0.18.2 (jasp-stats.org) and open-source JAMOVI (https://www.jamovi.org) version 2.5. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Logistic regression models and Kendall's τB test were applied to verify associations between variables such as symptom severity and age of onset, biological and demographic factors. To perform the regression model, the dependent variables were transformed into dichotomous variables. Symptom severity was categorized as mild-moderate and severe-serious. χ2 test was applied to assess differences in symptom severity based on criteria such as levels of occupational stress, place of living, sex, marital status, age of disease onset, intellectual level and MRI results. P<0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference.

Results

Demographics

The present study involved 120 patients aged between 18 and 69 years, including 46 females and 74 males, with a mean age of 40.57±12.23 (data not shown). A total of 77 patients came from urban areas and 43 from rural areas, 65 were married and 55 unmarried; 62 of the participants worked in a stressful environment.

Illness characteristics

Auditory hallucinations and delusional ideation (both n=95) were the main positive symptoms in most patients; disorganized thinking and speech was observed, associated with negative symptoms such as avolition (n=89), affective flattening (n=90) and anhedonia and apathy (n=63; data not shown).

A total of 80 participants had a late onset of schizophrenia and 39 of the cases reported substance abuse (data not shown). Substance abuse (cocaine and cannabis) was also reported by 35 patients with early onset of psychiatric manifestations. A total of nine participants had serious symptoms, 27 severe symptoms, 66 moderate and 18 mild symptoms.

Of the patients with severe symptoms, seven had borderline intellect and two had mild mental deficiency, 17 had a family history of schizophrenia, 26 had early onset of schizophrenia, and 26 reported substance abuse (data not shown).

A total of 57 patients with medium intellect had moderate and 16 had mild symptoms (data not shown). A total of three patients with a late onset of the disease had moderate symptoms and substance abuse. A total of 43 married and 22 unmarried patients presented associated affective symptoms with a moderate severity. However, 19 married male and 24 female patients, with a moderate severity of schizophrenia symptoms, also had affective symptoms.

Data analysis

There was a significant difference in stress levels and marital status between patients with mild-moderate and severe-serious symptoms (Table I).

Table I

χ2 test for mild-moderate and serious-severe symptoms.

Table I

χ2 test for mild-moderate and serious-severe symptoms.

VariableValuedfP-value
Place of living4.86530.182
Sex1.03830.792
Stress levels38.9673<0.001
Marital status37.3523<0.001
Intellectual level94.8713<0.001
Schizophrenia onset91.9993<0.001

Severe-serious symptoms were not associated with family history of affective disorder but were associated with the presence of affective symptoms, heredo-collateral antecedents (schizophrenia, late onset, positive and negative symptoms, substance abuse, stress levels, unmarried, low IQ and mild mental deficiency (Table II).

Table II

Coefficients of logistic regression for servere-serious symptoms.

Table II

Coefficients of logistic regression for servere-serious symptoms.

 95% confidence interval 
VariableEstimateStandard errorLowerUpperZ-scoreP-value
General intercept0.6880.799-0.8792.2540.8600.039
Affective symptoms-0.4730.637-1.7220.776-0.7430.045
Late onset-0.2720.487-1.2260.683-0.5580.047
Positive symptoms      
     1-0.6310.770-2.1400.877-0.8200.042
     2-0.6580.810-2.2460.930-0.6120.047
     3-22.1498,331.563-16,351.71216,307.415-0.9030.038
Negative symptoms      
     1-0.1780.419-0.9980.643-0.4240.032
     2-1.0920.966-2.9850.801-1.1310.025
     3-21.60117,246.910-33,824.92333,781.721-0.7010.039
Heredo-collateral history      
     Affective disorders0.1550.234-0.3030.6130.6620.080
     Schizophrenia-20.1123,240.703-6,371.7726,331.549-0.7060.045
Specific intercept0.0680.145-0.2160.3530.4710.037
Substance abuse-1.8280.763-3.323-0.333-2.3970.017
Stress levels-0.0140.246-0.4960.467-0.4580.044
Unmarried-0.0150.261-0.5280.497-0.4580.045
IQ-0.2090.379-0.9510.533-0.5520.031
Mild mental deficiency-0.4340.745-1.8941.026-0.5830.040

The regression coefficients for mild-moderate symptoms were not significant for family history of affective disorder but were significant for affective symptoms; heredo-collateral antecedents (schizophrenia and affective disorder), early onset, substance abuse, stress levels, limit IQ and mild mental deficiency (Table III).

Table III

Coefficients of logistic regression for mild-moderate symptoms.

Table III

Coefficients of logistic regression for mild-moderate symptoms.

 95% confidence interval 
VariableEstimateStandard errorLowerUpperZ-scoreP-value
General intercept-19.5855,420.523-10,643.61610,604.445-0.0040.047
Affective symptoms2.3101.324-0.2864.9061.7440.031
Late onset3.9141.0401.8775.9523.765<0.001
Positive symptoms      
     114.8615,420.523-10,609.17010,638.8920.0030.998
     214.7565,420.523-10,609.27510,638.7860.0030.998
     315.3545,420.523-10,608.67710,639.3850.0030.998
Negative symptoms      
     10.1850.438-0.6731.0430.4230.673
     20.3400.600-0.8351.5150.5670.571
     30.5560.823-1.0572.1690.6760.499
Heredo-collateral history      
     Affective disorders-1.5831.041-3.6230.457-1.5210.028
     Schizophrenia1.7490.3561.0512.4474.912<0.001
Specific intercept-23.5147,644.552-15,006.56014,959.533-1.2030.038
Substance abuse21.8967,644.552-14,961.15015,004.9431.0030.028
Stress levels0.1200.749-1.3481.5891.1610.045
Unmarried0.0260.518-0.9881.0400.0500.090
IQ0.4180.848-1.2452.0801.4920.022
Mild mental deficiency0.3960.874-1.3172.1091.4530.041

Although the regression models fit all included data, only certain variables were robust predictors of the symptom severity. There were predictive factors common to all levels of symptom severity, as well as specific predictors, such as positive and negative symptoms and marital status for severe-serious symptoms.

Discussion

Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder that can occur in early adulthood, but in many cases, there are signs present from birth (37-39). Given this heterogeneity of the disorder, a combination of factors may determine the occurrence (8,40,41). Schizophrenia affects the entirety of life, including social interactions, hygiene and feeding, quality of sleep, professional and academic achievement and cognition (13,26,38,42). Also, sudden cardiac death occurs at a 0.8% rate in psychiatric hospitals in patients with schizophrenia, which is higher than in the general population (43).

Chou et al (44) found a prevalence of schizophrenia 6.3 times higher in patients with a first-degree relative with schizophrenia and 2.4 times higher in individuals with a second-degree relative with schizophrenia, compared with the general population. In the present study, patients with a family history of psychiatry had only first-degree relatives with schizophrenia or depression. There were significant differences between married and unmarried patients depending on the severity of symptoms (married patients had lower severity symptoms). These results are consistent with those reported in the literature; for example Nyer et al (45) concluded that patients who are married or older at the onset of schizophrenia have a higher quality of life and lower severity of symptoms. Married patients also have fewer suicidal thoughts and a higher overall quality of life (42,45). The intellectual level varies between patients with schizophrenia symptoms of different severities. Černis et al (46) and Linca et al (47) demonstrated that patients with a high IQ have fewer negative symptoms and therefore less severe symptoms. In the present study, 57 patients with medium intellect had moderate symptoms and 16 mild symptoms. A total of three patients with late onset of the disease had moderate symptoms and were associated with substance abuse. A total of 43 of the 65 married patients and 22 of 55 unmarried patients reported affective symptoms with a moderate severity. Mild-moderate symptoms were associated with the presence of affective symptoms, heredo-collateral history of schizophrenia, late onset, the presence of positive and negative symptoms, substance abuse, stress levels, unmarried, borderline IQ and mental deficiency. Severe-serious symptoms were associated with affective symptoms, heredo-collateral history of schizophrenia and affective disorders, substance abuse, stress levels, borderline IQ and mild mental deficiency. DSM-5 assessement is more time-efficient and, by considering not only the symptoms but also the general functionality of the patient and the response to certain interventions, offers a more objective evaluation than the PANSS which is a more subjective evaluation scale that only focuses on symptomatology. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have used a holistic approach to these factors; most studies (20,48-51) focus only on 1-2 risk factors. The present study has several limitations, such as potential selection error and reliance on interviews for data collection, which may introduce recall bias; further studies should consider gathering information form additional sources, such as medical records. Aditional factors, such as those associated with intrauterine life (for example, malnutrition or infections during pregnancy and obstetrical complications) were not analyzed due to difficulty in obtaining relevant and accurate data. Relying solely on the family interview would have introduced recall bias, given the long period of time since the birth of each patient.

An evidence-based approach to clinical presentation and evolution of psychosis is the first step in identifying strategies for developing personalized treatment such as multidisciplinary approach to schizophrenia involving other healthcare specialists (psychologists and primary care physicians). Identifying risk factors for predicting the severity of symptoms may contribute to better management concerning all aspects involved in the course of illness (symptom-free time frames, adequate social and work-field reinsertion, better quality of life and decreased suicide risk). Notably, a positive familial history of psychiatric disorders was a significant risk factor influencing severity of symptoms. Additionally, significant risk factors include urban dwelling, sex, substance use, marital status (unmarried) and intellectual level. The present results can be used to improve the outcome of the disease in the early stages. Information regarding medical history and the bio-psycho-social characteristics of the patient comes can improve the therapeutic approach, which may improve treatment compliance and accurately understanding the disease and what it involves.

Although the present results may not be generalized to other cohorts due to the relatively small size of the sample, the present study provides a basis for investigating predictors in future using larger cohorts. These should include intellectual level, marital status, levels of occupational stress and age of onset. Longitudinal studies should be performed to assess the influence on the severity of symptoms of patients with schizophrenia.

Acknowledgements

Not applicable.

Funding

Funding: No funding was received.

Availability of data and materials

The data generated in the present study may be requested from the corresponding author.

Authors' contributions

FPI, RML and AMM conceived and designed the study and wrote the manuscript. MCM and AT analyzed data and revised the manuscript. RML and AMM edited the manuscript and data analysis and interpretation. CAC and CIV collected and analyzed data analysis. AMC and MM supervised and conceived the study and reviewed the manuscript. FPI and MCM confirm the authenticity of all the raw data. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee of ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, Bucharest, Romania (approval no. 10/21.03.2018). Written informed consent was obtained from each patient/legal guardian of each patient regarding participation in the study.

Patient consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

References

1 

Sadock BJ, Sadock VA and Ruiz P: Kaplan and Sadock's synopsis of psychiatry: Behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry. 11th edition. Wolters Kluwer Health, PA, 2015.

2 

Marinescu I, Stovicek PO, Marinescu D and Papacocea T: Cinnarizine-potential trigger of the dopamine supersensitivity psychosis in patients with paranoid schizophrenia particular neurobiochemical model. Rev Chim. 70:3003–3007. 2019.

3 

Saha S, Chant D, Welham J and McGrath J: A systematic review of the prevalence of schizophrenia. PLoS Med. 2(e141)2005.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

4 

Moreno-Küstner B, Martín C and Pastor L: Prevalence of psychotic disorders and its association with methodological issues. A systematic review and meta-analyses. PLoS One. 13(e0195687)2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

5 

Lincă FI, Alexandrescu L, Cucu N and Alexandrescu B: Investigation of FTO gene-BMI association in a Romanian sample: A functional genomic interpretation. Biointerface Res Appl Chem. 13(230)2023.

6 

McClellan J and Stock S: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Committee on Quality Issues (CQI). Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with schizophrenia. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 52:976–990. 2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

7 

Murray RM, Bhavsar V, Tripoli G and Howes O: 30 Years on: How the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia morphed into the developmental risk factor model of psychosis. Schizophr Bull. 43:1190–1196. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

8 

Davis J, Eyre H, Jacka FN, Dodd S, Dean O, McEwen S, Debnath M, McGrath J, Maes M, Amminger P, et al: A review of vulnerability and risks for schizophrenia: Beyond the two hit hypothesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 65:185–194. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

9 

Hollis C and Palaniyappan L: Schizophrenia and psychosis. In: Rutter's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Thapar A, Pine DS, Leckman JF, Scott S, Snowling MJ and Taylor E (eds). 6th edition. Wiley, pp774-792, 2015.

10 

Scherr M, Hamann M, Schwerthöffer D, Froböse T, Vukovich R, Pitschel-Walz G and Bäuml J: Environmental risk factors and their impact on the age of onset of schizophrenia: Comparing familial to non-familial schizophrenia. Nord J Psychiatry. 66:107–114. 2012.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

11 

Martínez-Ortega JM, Carretero MD, Gutiérrez-Rojas L, Díaz-Atienza F, Jurado D and Gurpegui M: Winter birth excess in schizophrenia and in non-schizophrenic psychosis: Sex and birth-cohort differences. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 35:1780–1784. 2011.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

12 

Chandra IS, Kumar KL, Reddy MP and Reddy CMPK: Attitudes toward medication and reasons for non-compliance in patients with schizophrenia. Indian J Psychol Med. 36:294–298. 2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

13 

McGrath J, Brown A and St Clair D: Prevention and schizophrenia-the role of dietary factors. Schizophr Bull. 37:272–283. 2011.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

14 

Xu MQ, Sun WS, Liu BX, Feng GY, Yu L, Yang L, He G, Sham P, Susser E, St Clair D and He L: Prenatal malnutrition and adult schizophrenia: Further evidence from the 1959-1961 Chinese famine. Schizophr Bull. 35:568–576. 2009.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

15 

Flegr J, Príplatova L, Hampl R, Bicikovíá M, Ripova D and Mohr P: Difference of neuro- and immunomodulatory steroids and selected hormone and lipid concentrations between Toxoplasma-free and Toxoplasma-infected but not CMV-free and CMV-infected schizophrenia patients. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 35:20–27. 2014.PubMed/NCBI

16 

Müller N, Weidinger E, Leitner B and Schwarz MJ: The role of inflammation in schizophrenia. Front Neurosci. 9(372)2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

17 

Dorrington S, Zammit S, Asher L, Evans J, Heron J and Lewis G: Perinatal maternal life events and psychotic experiences in children at twelve years in a birth cohort study. Schizophr Res. 152:158–163. 2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

18 

Hosak L: New findings in the genetics of schizophrenia. World J Psychiatry. 3:57–61. 2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

19 

Boydell J: Risk factors for schizophrenia. Expert Rev Neurother. 1:183–191. 2001.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

20 

Semple DM, McIntosh AM and Lawrie SM: Cannabis as a risk factor for psychosis: Systematic review. J Psychopharmacol. 19:187–194. 2005.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

21 

Hickman M, Vickerman P, Macleod J, Kirkbride J and Jones PB: Cannabis and schizophrenia: Model projections of the impact of the rise in cannabis use on historical and future trends in schizophrenia in England and Wales. Addiction. 102:597–606. 2007.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

22 

Tandon R, Keshavan MS and Nasrallah HA: Schizophrenia, ‘just the facts’ what we know in 2008. 2. Epidemiology and etiology. Schizophr Res. 102:1–18. 2008.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

23 

Morgan C and Fisher H: Environment and schizophrenia: Environmental factors in schizophrenia: childhood trauma-a critical review. Schizophr Bull. 33:3–10. 2007.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

24 

Clarke M, Whitty P, Browne S, McTigue O, Kamali M, Gervin M, Kinsella A, Waddington JL, Larkin C and O'Callaghan E: Untreated illness and outcome of psychosis. Br J Psychiatry. 189:235–240. 2006.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

25 

Beckers T, Maassen N, Koekkoek B, Tiemens B and Hutschemaekers G: Can social support be improved in people with a severe mental illness? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Curr Psychol. 42:14689–14699. 2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

26 

Zhang CX, Ren XH, Yang XM, Fan RX, Wang Y, Li YL, Jiang HJ, Liu YY and Liu X: Quality of life and its influencing factors among schizophrenia patients living in urban and rural areas. Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 54:608–613. 2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar : (In Chinese).

27 

Sher L and Kahn RS: Suicide in schizophrenia: An educational overview. Medicina (Kaunas). 55(361)2019.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

28 

Mork E, Mehlum L, Barrett EA, Agartz I, Harkavy-Friedman JM, Lorentzen S, Melle I, Andreassen OA and Walby FA: Self-harm in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Arch Suicide Res. 16:111–123. 2012.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

29 

Chan MKY, Bhatti H, Meader N, Stockton S, Evans J, O'Connor RC, Kapur N and Kendall T: Predicting suicide following self-harm: Systematic review of risk factors and risk scales. Br J Psychiatry. 209:277–283. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

30 

Crișan RM, Băcilă CI and Morar S: The role of psychological autopsy in investigating a case of atypical suicide in schizophrenia: A case report with a brief review of literature. Egypt J Forensic Sci. 12(30)2022.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

31 

Iliuta FP, Manea MC, Budisteanu M, Andrei E, Linca F, Rad F, Cergan R and Ciobanu AM: Magnetic resonance imaging of brain anomalies in adult and pediatric schizophrenia patients: Experience of a Romanian tertiary hospital. Exp Ther Med. 22(1098)2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

32 

Iliuta FP, Manea MC, Budisteanu M, Ciobanu AM and Manea M: Magnetic resonance imaging in schizophrenia: Luxury or necessity? (Review). Exp Ther Med. 22(765)2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

33 

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-IV-TR. 4th edition. American Psychiatric Association, Arlington, VA, 2009.

34 

American Medical Association: ICD-10-CM 2022: The official codebook with guidelines. American Medical Association, Chicago, 2021.

35 

American Psychiatric Association and American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. 5th edition. American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC, 2013.

36 

Raven JC: Raven Standard Progressive Matrices, 2016. https://www.pearsonassessments.com/store/usassessments/en/Store/Professional-Assessments/Cognition-%26-Neuro/Raven’s-Progressive-Matrices-Second-Edition-%7C-Raven%27s-2/p/100001960.html. Accessed Mar 22, 2018.

37 

Hany M, Rehman B, Azhar Y and Chapman J: Schizophrenia. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 2024.

38 

Messias EL, Chen CY and Eaton WW: Epidemiology of schizophrenia: Review of findings and myths. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 30:323–338. 2007.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

39 

Allott KA, Schäfer MR, Thompson A, Nelson B, Bendall S, Bartholomeusz CF, Yuen HP, McGorry PD, Schlögelhofer M, Bechdolf A and Amminger GP: Emotion recognition as a predictor of transition to a psychotic disorder in ultra-high risk participants. Schizophr Res. 153:25–31. 2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

40 

Alelú-Paz R and Iturrieta-Zuazo I: Human endogenous retroviruses: Their possible role in the molecular etiology of the schizophrenia. Open J Genet. 2:70–76. 2012.

41 

Brown AS and McGrath JJ: The prevention of schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull. 37:257–261. 2011.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

42 

Insiyah I, Rohimah YT, Astuti SLD, Lestari S, Suyanto S and Sulistyowati EC: Predicting quality of life of schizophrenia patients. JKG. 8:22–32. 2023.

43 

Ifteni P, Correll CU, Burtea V, Kane JM and Manu P: Sudden unexpected death in schizophrenia: Autopsy findings in psychiatric inpatients. Schizophr Res. 155:72–76. 2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

44 

Chou IJ, Kuo CF, Huang YS, Grainge MJ, Valdes AM, See LC, Yu KH, Luo SF, Huang LS, Tseng WY, et al: Familial aggregation and heritability of schizophrenia and co-aggregation of psychiatric illnesses in affected families. Schizophr Bull. 43:1070–1078. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

45 

Nyer M, Kasckow J, Fellows I, Lawrence EC, Golshan S, Solorzano E and Zisook S: The relationship of marital status and clinical characteristics in middle-aged and older patients with schizophrenia and depressive symptoms. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 22:172–179. 2010.PubMed/NCBI

46 

Černis E, Vassos E, Brébion G, McKenna PJ, Murray RM, David AS and MacCabe JH: Schizophrenia patients with high intelligence: A clinically distinct sub-type of schizophrenia? Eur psychiatr. 30:628–632. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

47 

Linca FI, Budisteanu M, Popovici DV and Cucu N: The moderating role of emotional regulation on the relationship between school results and personal characteristics of pupils with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Children (Basel). 9(1637)2022.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

48 

Cantor-Graae E, Pedersen CB, McNeil TF and Mortensen PB: Migration as a risk factor for schizophrenia: A Danish population-based cohort study. Br J Psychiatry. 182:117–122. 2003.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

49 

Selten JP and Cantor-Graae E: Hypothesis: Social defeat is a risk factor for schizophrenia? Br J Psychiatry Suppl. 51:s9–s12. 2007.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

50 

Torrey EF, Buka S, Cannon TD, Goldstein JM, Seidman LJ, Liu T, Hadley T, Rosso IM, Bearden C and Yolken RH: Paternal age as a risk factor for schizophrenia: How important is it? Schizophr Res. 114:1–5. 2009.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

51 

Van Os J and Jones PB: Neuroticism as a risk factor for schizophrenia. Psychol Med. 31:1129–1134. 2001.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

Related Articles

Journal Cover

September-2024
Volume 21 Issue 3

Print ISSN: 2049-9434
Online ISSN:2049-9442

Sign up for eToc alerts

Recommend to Library

Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Iliuta FP, Manea MC, Teodorescu A, Lacau R, Manea M, Mares AM, Varlam CI, Ciobanu CA and Ciobanu AM: Predictive factors and symptom severity spectrum in adult schizophrenia: Potential insights for improved management and adequate care. Biomed Rep 21: 132, 2024.
APA
Iliuta, F.P., Manea, M.C., Teodorescu, A., Lacau, R., Manea, M., Mares, A.M. ... Ciobanu, A.M. (2024). Predictive factors and symptom severity spectrum in adult schizophrenia: Potential insights for improved management and adequate care. Biomedical Reports, 21, 132. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2024.1820
MLA
Iliuta, F. P., Manea, M. C., Teodorescu, A., Lacau, R., Manea, M., Mares, A. M., Varlam, C. I., Ciobanu, C. A., Ciobanu, A. M."Predictive factors and symptom severity spectrum in adult schizophrenia: Potential insights for improved management and adequate care". Biomedical Reports 21.3 (2024): 132.
Chicago
Iliuta, F. P., Manea, M. C., Teodorescu, A., Lacau, R., Manea, M., Mares, A. M., Varlam, C. I., Ciobanu, C. A., Ciobanu, A. M."Predictive factors and symptom severity spectrum in adult schizophrenia: Potential insights for improved management and adequate care". Biomedical Reports 21, no. 3 (2024): 132. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2024.1820