12.3: Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders - Comorbidity

Learning Objectives

• Describe the comorbidity of schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

There is a high comorbidity between schizophrenia and substance abuse disorder and there is some evidence to suggest that the use of various substances (particularly marijuana) may place an individual at an increased risk of developing schizophrenia if the genetic predisposition is also present (see diathesis-stress model below; Corcoran et al., 2003). Additionally, there appears to be comorbidity with anxiety-related disorders, specifically panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among individuals with schizophrenia than compared to the general public. Schizotypal or paranoid personality disorder sometimes precede the onset of schizophrenia. About 5-6% of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia die by suicide, about 20% have attempted suicide on at least one occasion, and many more have significant suicidal ideation.

It should also be noted that individuals diagnosed with a schizophrenia-related disorder are also at an increased risk for associated medical conditions such as weight gain, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular and pulmonary disease (APA, 2022). This predisposition to various medical conditions is likely related to medications and poor lifestyle choices, and also place individuals at risk for a reduced life expectancy.

Schizoaffective disorder is comorbid with substance use disorders and anxiety disorders. Metabolic syndrome occurs at a higher rate than for the general population as well.

Cormorbidity information is not given for delusional disorder or schizophreniform disorder.

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