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

Overview

Journal Behav Sci (Basel)

Date 2024 May 24

PMID 38785886

Authors

Ching-Lun Tsai

Chi-Ming Chu

Hsien-Yuan Lane

Shiah-Lian Chen

Cheng-Hao Tu

Wei-Fen Ma

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

(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.

Citing Articles

Clinical symptoms of the prodromal stage preceding serious mental illness in Taiwanese young adults: a qualitative study.

Chen Y, Yeh T, Hsu H, Lane H, Lu S, Ma W BMC Psychiatry. 2025; 25(1):187.

PMID: 40033277 PMC: 11874657. DOI: 10.1186/s12888-025-06643-4.

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