Identification of Risk Factors to Predict the Occurrences of Relapses in Individuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder in Iran

Abstract

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder (SSD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder with a modest treatment outcome. In addition, relapses are commonplace. Here, we sought to identify factors that predict relapse latency and frequency. To this end, we retrospectively analyzed data for individuals with SSD. Medical records of 401 individuals with SSD were analyzed (mean age: 25.51 years; 63.6% males) covering a five-year period. Univariate and multivariate Penalized Likelihood Models with Shared Log-Normal Frailty were used to determine the correlation between discharge time and relapse and to identify risk factors. A total of 683 relapses were observed in males, and 422 relapses in females. The Relapse Hazard Ratio (RHR) decreased with age (RHR = 0.99, CI: (0.98–0.998)) and with participants’ adherence to pharmacological treatment (HR = 0.71, CI: 0.58–0.86). In contrast, RHR increased with a history of suicide attempts (HR = 1.32, CI: 1.09–1.60), and a gradual compared to a sudden onset of disease (HR = 1.45, CI: 1.02–2.05). Gender was not predictive. Data indicate that preventive and therapeutic interventions may be particularly important for individuals who are younger at disease onset, have a history of suicide attempts, have experienced a gradual onset of disease, and have difficulties adhering to medication.

Long non-coding RNA-associated competing endogenous RNA axes in the olfactory epithelium in schizophrenia: a bioinformatics analysis

“…A century after an influential work done by Kraepelin on the subject of dementia praecox, schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) is still mysterious in terms of its different etiologies, symptomatology, the unpredictability of disease progression, moderate therapeutic outcomes, and the concern of comorbidities like obesity, diabetes, and tobacco use disorder 1 – 3 . The term SSD refers to a wide variety of symptoms, and neither all SSD patients express the entire symptoms, nor all of the corresponding symptoms occur at the same time.…”

“…Patients with SSD usually display disorganization in formal thinking and language, catatonic symptoms, hallucinations, delusions, affect and mood dysfunctions, self-disorder, neurocognitive deficits, and somatic symptoms. Nearly a half of SSD patients have functional impairments, which raise the likelihood of constant unemployment and the difficulty to form and sustain lasting relationships 2 , 3 . Neuronal, psychological, social, environmental, and genetic variables might lead to SSD formation and maintenance 3 , 5 , 6 .…”

“…Nearly a half of SSD patients have functional impairments, which raise the likelihood of constant unemployment and the difficulty to form and sustain lasting relationships 2 , 3 . Neuronal, psychological, social, environmental, and genetic variables might lead to SSD formation and maintenance 3 , 5 , 6 . Modifications in the morphology of neurons and the brain are thought to be linked to SSD symptomatology 5 , 6 .…”

Assessment of Antipsychotic Medications on Social Media: Machine Learning Study

“…Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders are among the world's leading causes of disability ( 2 ). However, evidence-based psychosocial interventions, in conjunction with pharmacotherapy, can help patients achieve recovery ( 3 , 4 ).…”

“…In patients with a poor response to medication or repeated relapses, non-adherence should be considered ( 10 , 11 ). Side effects, along with a limited awareness of one's schizophrenia and the need for treatment, are frequently the primary cause of non-adherence, and thus need to be addressed ( 3 ). However, many patients hide these issues from their doctor, with the reasons for doing so poorly understood yet nevertheless significant, such as the feeling of shame in disclosing these aspects or the fear of being judged ( 11 ).…”