The relationship between residual symptoms, functionality, and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia in remission

Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder that can present with various clinical manifestations, including positive and negative symptoms, and affect emotions, thoughts, perception, and movement. It may also involve cognitive symptoms such as impairment in attention, memory, and executive functions. It is well known that the functionality and quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia are lower compared to the general population. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between residual symptoms, functionality, and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia in remission. The study included 100 patients with schizophrenia in remission and 100 individuals in the control group without any psychiatric disorders. All of the participants, who met the inclusion criteria, and provided written informed consent, were assessed using the Sociodemographic Data Form, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Turkish version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Form (WHOQOL-BREF TR), the Functional Recovery Scale in Schizophrenia (FRSS), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale, and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Additionally, the Clinical Global Impression Scale was administered to the schizophrenia patients. When comparing the two groups, the schizophrenia group had significantly higher PANSS total and subscale scores, CDSS, and BAI, while all the WHOQOL-BREF TR subscale scores, FRSS total and subscale scores, and GAF scores were significantly lower. No significant differences were found in terms of functionality and quality of life between sexes. Patients who were married, had a university degree, had a higher income level, had previously worked, or were currently employed had significantly higher functionality and quality of life scores. Those with a history of suicide attempts exhibited significantly lower social functionality and physical, psychological, and environmental quality of life scores, while the presence of comorbid conditions was found to negatively impact their physical quality of life. Overall, general quality of life was positively correlated with all the components of functionality in the schizophrenia patients. Negative symptoms and disease severity in schizophrenia were found to have a significant negative impact on the patients' social, occupational, and daily functioning, as well as their quality of life. Assessing functionality and quality of life is as important as symptom improvement in monitoring patients and determining outcomes. It is recommended to develop psychosocial interventions aimed at enhancing the functionality and quality of life of schizophrenia patients.