The role of intrusive and other recent life events on symptomatology in relapses of schizophrenia; a community nursing investigation

Fallon, P

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the impact of life events on psychotic relapse in individuals
with an established diagnosis of schizophrenia to explore their proneness to experience
life events, to examine if any effect of life events was cumulative or triggering in nature
and to explore if specific types of events influence subsequent symptom formation. An
association between adverse life events and relapse in people with schizophrenia has
been reported in several studies; however, the nature of the association remains unclear.
Some studies suggest that intrusive events promote the formation of paranoid psychotic
symptoms. Using well-validated semi-structured interview schedules the author
interviewed participants during or shortly after relapse. The severity and intrusiveness
of life events was rated and relationships between events and symptoms were explored.
Increasing numbers of patients experienced life events especially moderately threatening
life events in the last 4 weeks prior to relapse; however, no relationship was
discovered between life events in general or specifically intrusive life events and the
specific content of psychotic symptoms. An increased frequency of milder life events
occurred in the 2 months prior to relapse, suggesting that chronic illness is not
associated with absence of mild or moderately severe life events or with diminished
sensitivity to them.

Citation

Fallon, P. (2009). The role of intrusive and other recent life events on symptomatology in relapses of schizophrenia; a community nursing investigation. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 16, 685-693. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2009.01451.x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2009
• Deposit Date: May 13, 2011
• Journal: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
• Print ISSN: 1351-0126
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Pages: 685-693
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2009.01451.x
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2009.01451.x