Longitudinal analysis of subjective quality of life in schizophrenia: Anxiety as the best symptom predictor

We examined the relationships among changes in anxiety, depression, core sy mptoms of schizophrenia, and subjective quality of life (QL) longitudinally . Fifty-three stabilized outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizo affective disorder were assessed for QL and symptoms every 3 months for a p eriod of I year. Using mixed effects models, we found that changes in anxie ty, as rated on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, were inversely associat ed with general life satisfaction and satisfaction with many specific domai ns. These relationships were stronger than the relationships of QL and any other core symptoms of schizophrenia, including depression. Anxiety was als o related to some positive and negative symptoms. These findings support th e notion that more precise analysis of general psychopathology, and anxiety in particular, is important in clarifying the factors involved in QL in sc hizophrenia. We explain our findings in the context of current theories of affect and suggest implications for the treatment of schizophrenia.