J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2015 Aug;54(3):299-308. 10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.3.299.

Clinical Correlators of Homelessness in Patients with Schizophrenia: Focused on Social Function

• Lee SH
• Shin SE

• KMID: 2035963
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2015.54.3.299

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences between homeless with schizophrenia and non-homeless with schizophrenia, and to identify the correlators of homelessness in schizophrenic patients.
METHODS
Forty two schizophrenic inpatients were divided into the homeless group (n=19) and non-homeless group (n=23). Psychopathologic measures, neurocognitive tests, hinting task, and the Social and Occupational Function Assessment Scale (SOFAS) were administered in both groups.
RESULTS
SOFAS showed high correlation with homelessness in schizophrenic inpatients. Duration of Untreated Psychosis, negative component of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Continuous Performance Test (CPT) correct number, and hinting task were all mediated by SOFAS to explain homelessness in schizophrenic inpatients. In particular, CPT correct number showed direct correlation with homelessness without mediation by SOFAS.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest that cognitive rehabilitation and social skill training may be helpful in prevention of homelessness of schizophrenic patients. Social cognition and neurocognitive test including CPT may be useful for evaluating the risk of homelessness in schizophrenic patients.

Keyword

Schizophrenia; Social cognition; Neurocognition; Social function; Homeless

MeSH Terms

Cognition
Homeless Persons*
Humans
Inpatients
Negotiating
Psychotic Disorders
Rehabilitation
Schizophrenia*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Predictors and mediator of homelessness in schizophrenia by path analyses. *: p<0.10, †: p<0.05, ‡: p<0.01, §: p<0.001. DUP: Duration of Untreated Psychosis, PANSS: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, CPT: Continuous Performance Test, SOFAS: Social and Occupational Function Assessment Scale.

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