The Comparison of Lifestyles, Mental Risks, and Physical Indices among Individuals with Ultra-High Risk of Psychosis, Patients with Schizophrenia, and the General Public

• Published in: Behavioral sciences Vol. 14; no. 5; p. 395
• Main Authors: Tsai, Ching-Lun, Chu, Chi-Ming, Lane, Hsien-Yuan, Chen, Shiah-Lian, Tu, Cheng-Hao, Ma, Wei-Fen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Anxiety; at-risk mental state; Comorbidity; Data analysis; Drug use; Early intervention; Emotional disorders; Exercise; Food habits; health needs; Lifestyles; Memory; Mental disorders; Mental health; mental risks; Mentally ill; Mood disorders; Physical fitness; Physiology; Psychosis; Questionnaires; Review boards; Risk factors; Schizophrenia; Substance use disorder; ultra-high risk; China; Taiwan; health needs; at-risk mental state; mental risks; ultra-high risk; schizophrenia; lifestyles
• ISSN: 2076-328X; 2076-328X
• DOI: 10.3390/bs14050395

(1) Background: Early interventions may effectively reduce the risk of mental disorders in individuals with ultra-high risk. Specifying the health needs of individuals with ultra-high risk is crucial before the implementation of successful early intervention. This study aimed to explore the differences in lifestyles, mental risks, and physical indices among individuals with ultra-high risk, patients with schizophrenia, and healthy subjects. (2) Methods: A cross-section design applying seven questionnaires with physical examinations for 144 participants aged 13-45 years old was conducted in this study. The questionnaires included one about personal data, four on mental risks, and two for lifestyles. (3) Results: The individuals with ultra-high risk scored similarly in many dimensions as the patients with schizophrenia, but they displayed lower positive symptoms, lower negative symptoms, lower prodromal symptoms, higher interpersonal deficits, lower nutrition intake, and higher levels of exercise than the patients with schizophrenia. Female individuals with ultra-high risk had lower self-esteem, higher positive symptoms, lower nutrition intake, and higher exercise levels than male ones. (4) Conclusions: The study pinpointed specific health needs with interpersonal deficits, nutrition intake, and physical activity for the individuals with ultra-high risk. Future interventions targeted on improving social function, dietary pattern, and exercise will be beneficial.