Takahashi T, et al. – The focus of the presented study was to investigate the quality of life (QOL) in high–risk for psychosis and schizophrenia groups. This research highlighted the importance of addressing socio–cognitive dysfunctions as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms for better QOL in Clinical High–Risk state for Psychosis (CHR–P).

Methods

• Using the Quality of Life Scale (QLS), the researchers explored the QOL of 33 subjects with CHR-P, 45 patients with schizophrenia, and 63 healthy subjects.
• After that, the CHR-P and schizophrenia groups were administered the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), the Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale (SCoRS), and the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) for socio-cognitive functions; and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for clinical symptoms.
• In addition, the CHR-P group was evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory. 

Results

• The results of this study showed that the CHR-P and schizophrenia groups had a significantly lower QLS score to the same degree compared with controls, which was predominantly related to the SOFAS, SCoRS, and PANSS negative/general scores.
• The severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms was also correlated with a lower QLS score for the CHR-P.
• Regression analyses showed that the QLS score was anticipated by SOFAS (for both groups) and SCoRS (for CHR-P) scores.