Abstract

GARCIA VALENCIA, Jenny et al. Empirical Identification of Schizophrenia Subtypes. rev.colomb.psiquiatr. [online]. 2010, vol.39, n.1, pp.45-66. ISSN 0034-7450.

Objectives: To empirically identify subtypes of schizophrenia based on symptoms recorded during the duration of the disorder, and to determine demographic and clinical differences among subtypes. Methods: Clinical information was obtained from 217 subjects with schizophrenia by the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies (DIGS). The axes of symptoms were identified using Multiple Correspondence Analysis. Based on these axes, subtypes of individuals with schizophrenia were determined by hierarchical classification analysis. Results: A solution of three axes of symptoms was obtained: (1) hallucinations and delusions, (2) catatonic, and (3) negative and disorganized symptoms. Based on these axes, i ve subtypes were identified: Paranoid without influence experiences, disorganized, catatonic, disorganized with hallucinations and delusions, and paranoid with influence experiences. When compared with Subtype 1, Subtype 2 had a higher frequency of early onset (OR: 2.64; 95CI%: 1.00-6.96) and severe impairment (OR: 4.12; 95CI%: 1.73-9.79); Subtype 3 had a lower frequency of substance use disorders (OR: 0.12; 95CI%: 0.01-1.00); Subtype 4 had a higher number of subjects with a continuous course of the disorder (OR: 4.40; 95CI%: 1.84-10.52) and severe impairment (OR: 5.34; 95CI%: 2.15-13.27). There were not any differences between Subtypes 1 and 5. Conclusion: Five subtypes of schizophrenia were obtained which are similar to previous descriptions. The subtypes have differences in course and comorbidity.

Keywords : Schizophrenia; classification; empirical research.

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