Chronic pain and quality of life in schizophrenic patients

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain in schizophrenic patients and to compare the quality of life in patients with and without chronic pain.

Methods: Crossover design with a probablistic sample of 205 adult schizophrenic outpatients (80% paranoid schizophrenia). Socio-demographic, psychiatric disorder, pain and quality of life (WHOQOL- brief) data were collected between June and September 2008.

Results: Mean age was 37 years, 65% were men, and the mean time spent in school was 9 years; 87% were single, 65% lived with parents and 25% had a job. Among patients with chronic pain, 70% did not receive treatment for pain. Regarding quality of life, patients with pain had more physical disabilities compared to those without pain (p < .001). There were no differences in other domains. Comparisons between patients with and without pain did not show any differences in how much they felt their mental health problems disabled them.

Conclusion: Chronic pain was common in schizophrenic patients (similar to the general population of a similar age) and decreased their quality of life. It is necessary to pay more attention to this co-morbidity.