Ten-year follow-up of social functioning and behaviour problems in people with schizophrenia and related disorders

• Published in: International journal of social psychiatry Vol. 68; no. 7; pp. 1324 - 1335
• Main Authors: Vázquez-Reyes, Antonio, Ángeles Pérez-San-Gregorio, María, Martín-Rodríguez, Agustín, Vázquez-Morejón, Antonio J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.11.2022; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Behavior problems; Community mental health services; Deterioration; Disorders; Gender differences; Medical diagnosis; Multivariate analysis; Psychosis; Psychosocial factors; Psychosocial intervention; Regression analysis; Schizophrenia; Social evolution; Social functioning; Social skills; Variance analysis; Women; social functioning; bipolar disorders; behaviour problems; schizophrenia; gender; psychotic disorders
• ISSN: 0020-7640; 1741-2854
• DOI: 10.1177/00207640211023083

Background: In recent years, several variables in the course of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders have been studied. However, an instrumental analysis of the evolution of social functioning and behaviour problems has scarcely been explored. Aim: To analyse the evolution of social functioning and behaviour problems and find any diagnosis or gender differences. Method: The Social Functioning Scale (SFS) and the Behaviour Problems Inventory (BPI) were administered in Stages I (2003–2007) and II (2014–2017) to 100 close relatives of patients under treatment at a Community Mental Health Unit. A related samples t-test, analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance were performed to study the evolution and differences in social functioning and behaviour problems. Then a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was done to predict the evolution of social functioning. Results: No deterioration in the evolution of social functioning or behaviour problems was observed, and schizophrenia patient scores were lower. Women scored higher in withdrawal/social engagement, interpersonal behaviour, independence-performance, independence-competence and total social functioning, with no significant differences in behaviour problems. Previous social functioning, underactivity/social withdrawal and education are predictive factors in the evolution of social functioning. Conclusion: The results show the need for implementing psychosocial intervention programs that promote functional recovery and keep problems from becoming chronic.