Body mass index and functioning in long-term schizophrenia. Results of the DSP project.
OBJECTIVE
The study evaluates the association of body mass index (BMI) with functioning in male and female patients with long-term schizophrenia.


METHODS
722 long-term schizophrenia patients were interviewed three years after discharge from hospital. Their weight and height were recorded and data on their background, illness history, psychosocial functioning (Global Assessment Scale; GAS), health behaviour, daily doses of neuroleptics, and psychiatric symptoms were collected.


RESULTS
BMI correlated significantly with GAS scores in male (r=0.202, p=0.000) but not in female patients. In male patients, BMI associated significantly (p=0.005) with GAS scores even when the effects of psychiatric symptoms and other confounding variables were taken into account.


CONCLUSIONS
In male but not in female long-term patients with schizophrenia, low BMI associates with poor functioning. It is suggested that among male schizophrenia patients, low BMI may be an indicator of poor functioning.
Salokangas
Raimo K R
RK
Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku Psychiatric Clinic, Turku University Central Hospital, Turku Psychiatric Clinic, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FI-20520 Turku, Finland. raimo.k.r.salokangas@tyks.fi
Honkonen
Teija
T
Stengård
Eija
E
Hietala
Jarmo
J
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013223:Statistics as Topic
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents