Obesity and Psychopathology of Inpatients with Schizophrenia.
10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.2.172
- Author:
Myung Seon SONG
1
;
Woong HAHM
;
Seong Yong PARK
;
Kye Hyen HONG
;
In Ho PAIK
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Keyo Hospital, Uiwang, Korea. nppih@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Schizophrenia;
Obesity;
Psychopathology;
Severity
- MeSH:
Age of Onset;
Antipsychotic Agents;
Body Mass Index;
Education;
Female;
Humans;
Inpatients*;
Obesity*;
Psychopathology*;
Schizophrenia*;
Smoke;
Smoking;
Weight Gain;
Weights and Measures
- From:Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association
2015;54(2):172-180
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to examine the relationship between obesity and psychopathology of inpatients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Eighty four inpatients with schizophrenia and 81 control subjects were recruited. Height and weight were measured for calculation of body mass index (BMI). Symptom severity scales [Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale] and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) were conducted in all patients. Comorbid medical conditions, years of education, smoking status, age of onset, duration of illness, and medication history were collected. RESULTS: Patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher BMI and ratio of obesity than control subjects. Among patients, obese patients scored lower on symptom severity scales and better on functional assessment than not obese patients. Multiple regression analysis revealed an association of late onset and being obese with lower PANSS total score and better GAF score in patients. Late onset and being female were inversely related with negative symptom score. The type and dose of antipsychotics showed no association with obesity. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that patients with schizophrenia are likely to be more obese. Some characteristics of patients with less severe psychopathology, such as late onset, being obese, were coincident with the result of previous studies. In addition, the result showing that the heavier the weight of patients, the lower severity of symptoms was repeatedly reported in previous studies. The type and dose of antipsychotics were not associated with obesity. These results prompt further investigation of the relationship among schizophrenia, antipsychotics, and weight gain.
