Original article

Korean Journal of Schizophrenia Research 2007;10(1):32-40.

정신분열병 환자에서 비만이 삶의 질에 미치는 영향

Jong-Eun Ha, MD1, Jung-Jin Kim, MD, PhD2, Yong-Lee Jang, MD, PhD1, Gyeong-Hyeong Joe, MD, PhD1 and Jin-Sook Choi, MD, PhD1

Abstract

Objectives:This study evaluated the effects of obesity on quality of life in schizophrenic patients treated with atypical antipsychotics.
Methods:The subjects were schizophrenic patients (obesity group: 44, normal weight group: 36) who were clinically stable on one type of atypical antipsychotics. Korean version of WHO quality of life scale-Brief form (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to measure the quality of life, and self esteem was also evaluated. We investigated the relationship between BMI and quality of life.
Results:There were no significant differences in socio-demographic and clinical data between the two groups, except for the number of hospitalization. We also found no significant differences in BPRS, CGI, GAF and Simpson-Angus rating scales. However, the total scores of WHOQOL-BREF, the mean scores of physical and psychological domains, and the scores of self esteem scale were significantly lower in obesity group. BMI showed a significant negative correlation with total scores and physical domain scores of WHOQOL-BREF.
Conclusion:These results suggest that the obesity is one of the factors that could reduce quality of life in schizophrenic patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. Therefore, clinicians should try to prevent the weight gain and provide proper weight management. (Korean J Schizophr Res 2007;10:32-40)

Key Words: Schizophrenia,Atypical antipsychotics,Obesity,Quality of life,WHOQOL.