The relationship between positive and negative symptoms and quality of life in chronic schizophrenic patients of Sina hospital Juneqan

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder. The positive and negative symptoms are not only important in the prognosis of the disease but also affect the quality of life among the patients. Therefore, the present survey aimed to determine the relationship between positive and negative symptoms and quality of life among schizophrenic patients in Sina Hospital in Juneqan.

Methods and Materials:

 This cross-sectional study was performed on 62 patients with schizophrenia in Sina Hospital in Juneqan. The data was collected through interview by psychologists, using the individual and social factors questionnaire, schizophrenic quality of life scale (SQLS), and Anderson positive and negative symptoms questionnaire. The data was assessed using descriptive and inferential statistics and Pearson correlation analysis.

The mean scores of negative symptoms, positive symptoms, and quality of life were99.67 ± 32.57, 71.14 ± 19.5, and 93.55 ± 13.06, respectively. In addition, Pearson correlation coefficient showed a significant inverse relationship between positive symptoms and quality of life (r = 0.48, P ≤ 0.001), as well as negative symptoms and quality of life (r = 0.38, P ≤ 0.01). Thus, increased positive and negative symptoms increase quality of life in patients and higher mean scores indicate more problems and lower quality of life.

Since the positive and negative symptoms have a negative effect on quality of life in schizophrenic patients, it is important to reduce and control these symptoms and provide the patients with a promoted quality of life.