Mustafa Yildiz - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Mustafa Yildiz
Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the knowledge and opinions of schizophre... more Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the knowledge and opinions of schizophrenic patients' relatives regarding the disorder, its causes, treatment methods, and treatment outcomes, as well as to determine the variables that affected their knowledge and opinions. Method: Data were collected by contacting 332 family members living with schizophrenia outpatients that were treated in 2 different healthcare institutions. A questionnaire form was administered to collect data from the family members regarding demographic features, patients' clinical features, and family members' knowledge of the diagnostics of schizophrenia. The questionnaire also contained 22 statements regarding the etiology, treatment methods, and treatment outcomes of schizophrenia. The data were compared in relation to the demographic features of the relatives and the clinical features of the patients. Results: Most of the family members (62%) referred to the disorder as schizophrenia or psychosis, and 17.5% did not know the name of the disorder. Family members thought schizophrenia was a brain disorder (87.7%), a psychological disorder (95.9%), or a personality disorder (67.5%). All participants agreed with the statement, " medical treatment must be followed ". Magical attributions were believed to be involved in the disorder's onset and its treatment by 27.7% of the participants; this belief was correlated with level of education. Duration of the disorder, number of hospitalizations, existence of another psychotic patient in the family, level of education of the family members, and gender were significant predictors for their opinions. Conclusion: Clinical features of the patients and demographic features of the family members have a significant effect on the family members' knowledge and opinions. Outcomes of the present study could be used in the development of psychoeducational programs.
Türk Psikiyatri Dergisi 2008; 19(2) Turkish Journal of Psychiatry Objective: The aim of this stud... more Türk Psikiyatri Dergisi 2008; 19(2) Turkish Journal of Psychiatry Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and related factors in patients with schizophrenia at an outpatient clinic. Method: All 108 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder that presented to the outpatient clinic between 12 May and 12 June 2006 were included in the study. Of the 108 patients, 100 whose biochemical analyses were completed were assessed. Results: The prevalence of MS was 21%, 34%, and 41% according to ATP III, ATP III-A, and IDF criteria, respectively. Increased waist circumference and low HDL level were frequent among the patients. The prevalence of MS increased with age. Mean age, duration of illness and duration of treatment were higher and family history of obesity was common in the patients with MS. Discussion: The prevalence of ATP III-defined MS in patients with schizophrenia was lower compared to that reported in other studies; however, the prevalence of MS was high based on ATP III-A and IDF criteria. Patients with schizophrenia are at increased risk for MS or related metabolic problems. In particular, when risk factors such as older age, female gender, long duration of illness and treatment, and family history of obesity exist, clinicians should examine the metabolic condition of the patient. Increased waist circumference and low HDL level are probably the best predictors of MS.
~ Objective: High prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and related metabolic disturbances in pat... more ~ Objective: High prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and related metabolic disturbances in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder have been in main focus of interest in recent years since the introduction of second-generation antipsychotics. This study aims to examine these questions: 1) Is there a relation between antipsychotic treatment and MS prevalence? 2) Which antipsychotic users have higher MS prevalence? 3) Do patients on antipsychotic polytherapy have higher rates of MS than patients on antipsychotic monotherapy? 4) Which metabolic parameters are considerably disturbed on which antipsychotic users? Methods: 242 Patients with schizophre-nia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder without any other psychiatric comorbidity according to DSM-IV and using the same antipsychotic(s) and/or mood stabilizers at least for the last 6 months included to the final assesment. Results: The sample was divided into 7 drug groups. The MS prevalence was highest in the combined antipsychotic (AA) group (48.1%) according to ATP III criteria. According to IDF criteria clozapine (C) group had the highest MS prevalence (74%). Conclusions: When metabolic parameters evaluated overall, metabolic risk with antipsychotics is found to be highest in clozapine group, followed by combined AP group. Olanzapine and risperidone have intermediate risk while zuclopentixole has lowest. Psychopharmacology Bulletin.
Objective. Th is study compares the data of (modifi ed) electroconvulsive theraphy (ECT) applicat... more Objective. Th is study compares the data of (modifi ed) electroconvulsive theraphy (ECT) applications from two diff erent inpatient clinics in Turkey: Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital (Clinic-I) and Kocaeli University (Clinic-II). Methods. Recorded fi les of patients from the two clinics were compared in terms of ECT indications, number and duration of seizures, and anesthetic agents used (propofol vs. thiopental). ECT applications occurring between January 2011 and January 2013 were included in the study. Results. A total of 86 patients (9.5% of the inpatients) received ECT in Clinic-I and 103 patients (21.1% of the inpatients) in Clinic-II during the period studied. Th e yearly ECT rate (treated person rate per 10,000 per year) was 0.59/10,000 for Kocaeli (Turkey) as a whole. Th e overall number of ECT applications was 539 in Clinic-I and 999 in Clinic-II, and the average number of ECT sessions for each patient was 6.4 2.33 in Clinic-I and 9.69 4.66 in Clinic-II. Th e majority of indications were depressive disorders and insuffi cient response to medicine. Patients in the clinic which utilized thio-pental as the anesthetic agent experienced more cardiovascular and respiratory side eff ects than the one which used propofol. Th e number of ECT sessions required was greater for patients with schizoaff ective disorder than for others. Conclusions. Th e administration of ECT was considered to be a reliable method of treatment in these clinics. With respect to specifi c anesthetic agents, propofol was found to have less hemodynamic side eff ects and shorter seizure durations than thiopental.
![Research paper thumbnail of [General practitioners' attitudes towards psychotic disorders and their treatment in the primary health care system]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/42900109/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Türk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry, 2003
To assess general practitioners' attitudes and behavior towards psychotic disorders, antipsyc... more To assess general practitioners' attitudes and behavior towards psychotic disorders, antipsychotic drug prescriptions, and patients with psychosis in primary health care settings. 262 general practitioners (GPs) practicing in primary care settings in Kocaeli province were included in the study. The 20-item questionnaire, which was prepared by the researchers, was sent to all GPs via the Kocaeli branch of the Health Ministry. 195 (74.4%) questionnaires were returned. The GPs' responses and the relations between different variables were examined. The participation rate among GPs in any education about psychosis and antipsychotic treatment after graduation was 27.2%. The rate seeking structured and advanced education about psychosis was 41.0%. The mean daily number of patients with psychosis examined by GPs in primary care settings during the previous six months was 1.4. They first prescribed any antipsychotic drug by themselves at a rate of 12.8% in the previous six-month. The...
![Research paper thumbnail of [An Experience of a Clubhouse run by Families and Volunteers for Schizophrenia Rehabilitation]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/42900111/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Türk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry, 2003
To test the efficacy of a non-governmental psychosocial rehabilitation program (Psychosocial Reha... more To test the efficacy of a non-governmental psychosocial rehabilitation program (Psychosocial Rehabilitation Clubhouse), which was developed by the authors and thought to be easy to put into practice for patients with schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia (n: 14) were serviced at "Izmit Our Garden Solidarity Foundation of Families of Patients with Schizophrenia" for 8 months. Rehabilitation services were conducted wholly by families and volunteers, and run by a volunteer psychologist. Program included daily activities, cultural, leisure and social activities, one day in a week. Patients were assessed by using the Quality of Life Scale (QLS), Social Functioning Scale (SFS), Global Assessment Scale (GAS), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANNS) at baseline and at the end of the study. All patients (n:14) completed the program with 73% mean presence in the activities. Increase of the social functioning and the good clinical outcome was observed in patients. The r...
![Research paper thumbnail of [Social skills training in psychosocial therapy of schizophrenia: a multicenter study for symptom management and medication management modules]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/42994617/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Türk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry, 2002
It is known that psychosocial skills training programs increase the efficacy of schizophrenia tre... more It is known that psychosocial skills training programs increase the efficacy of schizophrenia treatment. The aim of this study was to carry out the Turkish version of two modules of a commonly used program, Social Skills Training (Medication Management and Symptom Management Modules), and to determine its possible benefits. The study was carried out at three sites. Fifty schizophrenic patients who were at least literate and who did not have language problems or organic mental diseases, aged 18-60, using antipsychotic agents in a standard dose and in a stable phase were included in the study. Eight training groups were formed. Each group consisted of 5-7 individuals and the study took approximately eight months. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Quality of Life Scale: an instrument for rating the schizophrenic deficit syndrome, the Drug Treatment Compliance Scale and Pre- and Post-Tests of Social Skills Training were applied to the patients before and after the group education ...
Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2004
We explored the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its relation to demographi... more We explored the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its relation to demographic characteristics and other risk factors for developing PTSD in a large sample (N = 910) of earthquake survivors living in tent city. Twenty-five percent of the sample met DSM-IV criteria for PTSD assessed with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Self Test (PTSD-S). Peritraumatic factors explained the most variance when the risk factors were grouped as demographics, pretraumatic, peritraumatic, and posttraumatic. The study emphasized that PTSD among the earthquake victims was as prevalent in Turkey as after disasters in other developing countries but higher than usually found after disasters in developed countries, and there was a relation between some factors-mostly peritraumatic-and PTSD.
International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, 2004
Pharmacotherapy for schizophrenia is a dynamic process that can change over time. The goal of thi... more Pharmacotherapy for schizophrenia is a dynamic process that can change over time. The goal of this study was to examine the pattern of antipsychotic drug (APD) use for patients with schizophrenia in an outpatient clinic. We evaluated the medication use pattern in patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotic drugs in an outpatient clinic in a period of 4 years. Patients who used any antipsychotic medication stably for at least 6 months were included in the study in this period. Patients who had been noncompliant to the treatment or did not come to the clinic again were excluded. Patients' records were reviewed in respect to the use of APD as an initial treatment, the duration of a single or combined APD use, the changing of APD regimen, and adding of a new APD or other adjuvant drugs to APDs. A total of 152 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were treated during the study period, of whom 60 (39.5%) maintained the treatment with compliance for at least 6 months. Mean duration of the treatment was 15.8 (+10.7) months (range 6-48). The most commonly used antipsychotic drugs were atypical agents (in 68.3% of patients), and depot neuroleptics were used in the 46.7% of patients more often than any other antipsychotic drug at any time of the treatment. Two or more antipsychotic drugs were used at some time during this period in 24 patients (40.0%). Of all patients, 45.0% had their drug regimen changed: medication regimen was changed once in 28.3% patients and two to four times in 16.7% patients. The longer the duration of treatment, the more patients had their medication changed. Most added drugs were typical ones (16.7%). Of all patients, 48 (80.0%) had used adjuvant drugs at any time during the treatment. There were no differences between the use of combined drug, medication changing and demographic variables of the patients. The results of this study support previous reports of the frequent use of atypical antipsychotic drugs, combination antipsychotic therapy, and adjuvant drugs in clinical practice. Medication switching is more common in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. Prospective controlled trials are needed to determine whether combination antipsychotic therapy or switching medication regimen is clinically beneficial and to provide guidelines on when and for whom that should be considered. (Int J Psych Clin Pract 2004; 8: 41-45).
![Research paper thumbnail of [Demographic and clinical characteristics in schizophrenia: a multi center cross-sectional case record study]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/42994618/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Türk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry, 2010
The aim of the present study is to assess the relationship between demographic characteristics an... more The aim of the present study is to assess the relationship between demographic characteristics and suicide attempts, physically aggressive behavior, substance abuse, repeated hospitalizations, and continuous illness course . The medical records of patients from three different treatment centers were assessed. The relationship between demographics and clinical characteristics were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the predicting factors for suicide attempts, physically aggressive behavior, heavy smoking, repeated hospitalizations, and continuous illness course. The medical records of a total of 720 patients with schizophrenia were assessed. Of these patients, 68% were never married, 56% were unemployed, and 69% were living with their parents. 35% of the patients had a relative diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. The mean age for the onset of the illness was found to be 23.5, with no difference between females and males. 50% of the patients had had rep...
Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the knowledge and opinions of schizophre... more Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the knowledge and opinions of schizophrenic patients' relatives regarding the disorder, its causes, treatment methods, and treatment outcomes, as well as to determine the variables that affected their knowledge and opinions. Method: Data were collected by contacting 332 family members living with schizophrenia outpatients that were treated in 2 different healthcare institutions. A questionnaire form was administered to collect data from the family members regarding demographic features, patients' clinical features, and family members' knowledge of the diagnostics of schizophrenia. The questionnaire also contained 22 statements regarding the etiology, treatment methods, and treatment outcomes of schizophrenia. The data were compared in relation to the demographic features of the relatives and the clinical features of the patients. Results: Most of the family members (62%) referred to the disorder as schizophrenia or psychosis, and 17.5% did not know the name of the disorder. Family members thought schizophrenia was a brain disorder (87.7%), a psychological disorder (95.9%), or a personality disorder (67.5%). All participants agreed with the statement, " medical treatment must be followed ". Magical attributions were believed to be involved in the disorder's onset and its treatment by 27.7% of the participants; this belief was correlated with level of education. Duration of the disorder, number of hospitalizations, existence of another psychotic patient in the family, level of education of the family members, and gender were significant predictors for their opinions. Conclusion: Clinical features of the patients and demographic features of the family members have a significant effect on the family members' knowledge and opinions. Outcomes of the present study could be used in the development of psychoeducational programs.
Türk Psikiyatri Dergisi 2008; 19(2) Turkish Journal of Psychiatry Objective: The aim of this stud... more Türk Psikiyatri Dergisi 2008; 19(2) Turkish Journal of Psychiatry Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and related factors in patients with schizophrenia at an outpatient clinic. Method: All 108 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder that presented to the outpatient clinic between 12 May and 12 June 2006 were included in the study. Of the 108 patients, 100 whose biochemical analyses were completed were assessed. Results: The prevalence of MS was 21%, 34%, and 41% according to ATP III, ATP III-A, and IDF criteria, respectively. Increased waist circumference and low HDL level were frequent among the patients. The prevalence of MS increased with age. Mean age, duration of illness and duration of treatment were higher and family history of obesity was common in the patients with MS. Discussion: The prevalence of ATP III-defined MS in patients with schizophrenia was lower compared to that reported in other studies; however, the prevalence of MS was high based on ATP III-A and IDF criteria. Patients with schizophrenia are at increased risk for MS or related metabolic problems. In particular, when risk factors such as older age, female gender, long duration of illness and treatment, and family history of obesity exist, clinicians should examine the metabolic condition of the patient. Increased waist circumference and low HDL level are probably the best predictors of MS.
~ Objective: High prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and related metabolic disturbances in pat... more ~ Objective: High prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and related metabolic disturbances in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder have been in main focus of interest in recent years since the introduction of second-generation antipsychotics. This study aims to examine these questions: 1) Is there a relation between antipsychotic treatment and MS prevalence? 2) Which antipsychotic users have higher MS prevalence? 3) Do patients on antipsychotic polytherapy have higher rates of MS than patients on antipsychotic monotherapy? 4) Which metabolic parameters are considerably disturbed on which antipsychotic users? Methods: 242 Patients with schizophre-nia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder without any other psychiatric comorbidity according to DSM-IV and using the same antipsychotic(s) and/or mood stabilizers at least for the last 6 months included to the final assesment. Results: The sample was divided into 7 drug groups. The MS prevalence was highest in the combined antipsychotic (AA) group (48.1%) according to ATP III criteria. According to IDF criteria clozapine (C) group had the highest MS prevalence (74%). Conclusions: When metabolic parameters evaluated overall, metabolic risk with antipsychotics is found to be highest in clozapine group, followed by combined AP group. Olanzapine and risperidone have intermediate risk while zuclopentixole has lowest. Psychopharmacology Bulletin.
Objective. Th is study compares the data of (modifi ed) electroconvulsive theraphy (ECT) applicat... more Objective. Th is study compares the data of (modifi ed) electroconvulsive theraphy (ECT) applications from two diff erent inpatient clinics in Turkey: Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital (Clinic-I) and Kocaeli University (Clinic-II). Methods. Recorded fi les of patients from the two clinics were compared in terms of ECT indications, number and duration of seizures, and anesthetic agents used (propofol vs. thiopental). ECT applications occurring between January 2011 and January 2013 were included in the study. Results. A total of 86 patients (9.5% of the inpatients) received ECT in Clinic-I and 103 patients (21.1% of the inpatients) in Clinic-II during the period studied. Th e yearly ECT rate (treated person rate per 10,000 per year) was 0.59/10,000 for Kocaeli (Turkey) as a whole. Th e overall number of ECT applications was 539 in Clinic-I and 999 in Clinic-II, and the average number of ECT sessions for each patient was 6.4 2.33 in Clinic-I and 9.69 4.66 in Clinic-II. Th e majority of indications were depressive disorders and insuffi cient response to medicine. Patients in the clinic which utilized thio-pental as the anesthetic agent experienced more cardiovascular and respiratory side eff ects than the one which used propofol. Th e number of ECT sessions required was greater for patients with schizoaff ective disorder than for others. Conclusions. Th e administration of ECT was considered to be a reliable method of treatment in these clinics. With respect to specifi c anesthetic agents, propofol was found to have less hemodynamic side eff ects and shorter seizure durations than thiopental.
Türk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry, 2003
To assess general practitioners' attitudes and behavior towards psychotic disorders, antipsyc... more To assess general practitioners' attitudes and behavior towards psychotic disorders, antipsychotic drug prescriptions, and patients with psychosis in primary health care settings. 262 general practitioners (GPs) practicing in primary care settings in Kocaeli province were included in the study. The 20-item questionnaire, which was prepared by the researchers, was sent to all GPs via the Kocaeli branch of the Health Ministry. 195 (74.4%) questionnaires were returned. The GPs' responses and the relations between different variables were examined. The participation rate among GPs in any education about psychosis and antipsychotic treatment after graduation was 27.2%. The rate seeking structured and advanced education about psychosis was 41.0%. The mean daily number of patients with psychosis examined by GPs in primary care settings during the previous six months was 1.4. They first prescribed any antipsychotic drug by themselves at a rate of 12.8% in the previous six-month. The...
Türk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry, 2003
To test the efficacy of a non-governmental psychosocial rehabilitation program (Psychosocial Reha... more To test the efficacy of a non-governmental psychosocial rehabilitation program (Psychosocial Rehabilitation Clubhouse), which was developed by the authors and thought to be easy to put into practice for patients with schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia (n: 14) were serviced at "Izmit Our Garden Solidarity Foundation of Families of Patients with Schizophrenia" for 8 months. Rehabilitation services were conducted wholly by families and volunteers, and run by a volunteer psychologist. Program included daily activities, cultural, leisure and social activities, one day in a week. Patients were assessed by using the Quality of Life Scale (QLS), Social Functioning Scale (SFS), Global Assessment Scale (GAS), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANNS) at baseline and at the end of the study. All patients (n:14) completed the program with 73% mean presence in the activities. Increase of the social functioning and the good clinical outcome was observed in patients. The r...
Türk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry, 2002
It is known that psychosocial skills training programs increase the efficacy of schizophrenia tre... more It is known that psychosocial skills training programs increase the efficacy of schizophrenia treatment. The aim of this study was to carry out the Turkish version of two modules of a commonly used program, Social Skills Training (Medication Management and Symptom Management Modules), and to determine its possible benefits. The study was carried out at three sites. Fifty schizophrenic patients who were at least literate and who did not have language problems or organic mental diseases, aged 18-60, using antipsychotic agents in a standard dose and in a stable phase were included in the study. Eight training groups were formed. Each group consisted of 5-7 individuals and the study took approximately eight months. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Quality of Life Scale: an instrument for rating the schizophrenic deficit syndrome, the Drug Treatment Compliance Scale and Pre- and Post-Tests of Social Skills Training were applied to the patients before and after the group education ...
Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2004
We explored the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its relation to demographi... more We explored the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its relation to demographic characteristics and other risk factors for developing PTSD in a large sample (N = 910) of earthquake survivors living in tent city. Twenty-five percent of the sample met DSM-IV criteria for PTSD assessed with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Self Test (PTSD-S). Peritraumatic factors explained the most variance when the risk factors were grouped as demographics, pretraumatic, peritraumatic, and posttraumatic. The study emphasized that PTSD among the earthquake victims was as prevalent in Turkey as after disasters in other developing countries but higher than usually found after disasters in developed countries, and there was a relation between some factors-mostly peritraumatic-and PTSD.
International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, 2004
Pharmacotherapy for schizophrenia is a dynamic process that can change over time. The goal of thi... more Pharmacotherapy for schizophrenia is a dynamic process that can change over time. The goal of this study was to examine the pattern of antipsychotic drug (APD) use for patients with schizophrenia in an outpatient clinic. We evaluated the medication use pattern in patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotic drugs in an outpatient clinic in a period of 4 years. Patients who used any antipsychotic medication stably for at least 6 months were included in the study in this period. Patients who had been noncompliant to the treatment or did not come to the clinic again were excluded. Patients' records were reviewed in respect to the use of APD as an initial treatment, the duration of a single or combined APD use, the changing of APD regimen, and adding of a new APD or other adjuvant drugs to APDs. A total of 152 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were treated during the study period, of whom 60 (39.5%) maintained the treatment with compliance for at least 6 months. Mean duration of the treatment was 15.8 (+10.7) months (range 6-48). The most commonly used antipsychotic drugs were atypical agents (in 68.3% of patients), and depot neuroleptics were used in the 46.7% of patients more often than any other antipsychotic drug at any time of the treatment. Two or more antipsychotic drugs were used at some time during this period in 24 patients (40.0%). Of all patients, 45.0% had their drug regimen changed: medication regimen was changed once in 28.3% patients and two to four times in 16.7% patients. The longer the duration of treatment, the more patients had their medication changed. Most added drugs were typical ones (16.7%). Of all patients, 48 (80.0%) had used adjuvant drugs at any time during the treatment. There were no differences between the use of combined drug, medication changing and demographic variables of the patients. The results of this study support previous reports of the frequent use of atypical antipsychotic drugs, combination antipsychotic therapy, and adjuvant drugs in clinical practice. Medication switching is more common in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. Prospective controlled trials are needed to determine whether combination antipsychotic therapy or switching medication regimen is clinically beneficial and to provide guidelines on when and for whom that should be considered. (Int J Psych Clin Pract 2004; 8: 41-45).
Türk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry, 2010
The aim of the present study is to assess the relationship between demographic characteristics an... more The aim of the present study is to assess the relationship between demographic characteristics and suicide attempts, physically aggressive behavior, substance abuse, repeated hospitalizations, and continuous illness course . The medical records of patients from three different treatment centers were assessed. The relationship between demographics and clinical characteristics were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the predicting factors for suicide attempts, physically aggressive behavior, heavy smoking, repeated hospitalizations, and continuous illness course. The medical records of a total of 720 patients with schizophrenia were assessed. Of these patients, 68% were never married, 56% were unemployed, and 69% were living with their parents. 35% of the patients had a relative diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. The mean age for the onset of the illness was found to be 23.5, with no difference between females and males. 50% of the patients had had rep...