Work

Factors Affecting Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia and Their Relationship with Anxiety and Depression

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: Negative symptoms significantly impair daily functioning and worsen clinical outcomes. Meanwhile, these symptoms are closely linked to anxiety and depression, further complicating prognosis. The mechanisms underlying these relationships remain unclear. This study aims to identify the factors influencing negative symptoms in schizophrenia and examine their relationship with anxiety and depression to guide more effective interventions and improve patient outcomes. Methods: This study recruited 300 inpatients with schizophrenia from October 2022 to May 2023. Sociodemographic data and clinical characteristics were collected via a self-designed questionnaire. Negative symptoms, depression, and anxiety were assessed using the SANS, HAMD, and HAMA scales, respectively. Results: Multiple regression analysis indicated that familial support (β = -1.285, P = 0.005), friend support (β = -0.797, P = 0.032), sleep quality (β = 2.307, P < 0.001), anxiety (β = 0.264, P = 0.004), and depression (β = 0.324, P = 0.007) were the main factors influencing negative symptoms. After adjusting for the duration of psychiatric disorder and type of antipsychotic medication as covariates, the above factors remained primary contributors to negative symptoms. Conclusion: Enhancing familial support, friend support, and addressing emotional health and sleep disturbances are strategies that may alleviate negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

Source: Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment

DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s492849