Comparison of correlations between symptom dimensions and subjective quality of life in Mexican outpatients with psychosis

Abstract

The objective is to research in psychosis has supported a close association between symptoms and QoL (Quality of Life), but a direct comparison between the associations of symptom dimensions with QoL is needed. The present study expanded upon previous studies by 1) analyzing the association between clinical symptomatology and quality of life in a sample of Mexican patients with psychosis and 2) exploring whether one particular symptom dimension (positive, negative, general) is significantly more strongly correlated with quality of life than the others by comparing correlations from the same sample.

Method: Psychopathology and quality of life of 61 outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or related psychosis were assessed with the PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) and the CSCV (Seville Questionnaire) scales, respectively. The strength of the resulting PANSSCSCV Spearman correlations was compared with the cocor statistical package.

Results: The three symptom dimensions (positive, negative and general psychopathology) were significantly related to quality of life. Correlation comparisons confirmed that general psychopathology had not only results that are more significant but also stronger correlations with quality of life in comparison to both, positive and negative symptoms.

Conclusions: In outpatients whose overall symptoms have ameliorated, general psychopathology symptoms play a more significant role in the self-perceived QoL. A comprehensive treatment must include psychosocial interventions focused on general psychopathology to enhance the prospect of patients’ recovery.