EPA-1103 - Personality Across the Aggressive Spectrum - a Cross-Sectional Study of 358 Males with Paranoid Schizophrenia

Abstract

Introduction:

Aggressiveness is one of the most stigmatization symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia with its possible roots in personality and/or acute psychopathology of schizophrenia.

Objectives:

To explore general and personality differences among suicidal, homicidal and non-aggressive male subjects with paranoid schizophrenia.

Methods:

We recruited all consecutive inpatients fulfilling the ICD-10 criteria of paranoid schizophrenia during 2009-2011. Personality traits were determined by the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) scale which measures the five major personality traits: emotional stability, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness and conscientiousness).

Results:

The study included 359 male subjects diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Their mean age was 37,8 yrs (SD 11,9) and duration of illness 13,77 yrs (SD 12,1). Majority were single (N=271, 75,5%), with 8-12 yrs of education (N=266, 75%) and unemployed (N=193, 53,8%). In an attempt to assess their auto and heteroagressivness, subjects were divided into three groups: subjects with suicide ideation (N=66, 18.4%), subjects with suicide attempt (N=67, 18,7%) and subjects with homicidal behavior (N= 86, 24%). These groups were compared against the comparative group of subjects without suicidal ideation, suicide or homicide behavior (N=140, 39%). Subjects with homicide behavior were significantly older, with longer duration of illness, majority were diagnosed with comorbid alcohol addiction and these participants scored higher on the emotional stability subscale (ANOVA F=7.8, df= 3, P=0.001).

Conclusion:

These findings might contribute to discussion of the role of personality characteristics in paranoid schizophrenia.