Interpersonal problems in the prodromal state of schizophrenia: An exploratory study

Abstract

Decline in social function and withdrawal from interpersonal relations often precede psychotic symptoms in developing psychosis. It is therefore of interest to assess how persons presumed to be in the prodromal state of schizophrenia experience interpersonal difficulties. In this study a sample was defined by the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes (SIPS) and interpersonal problems were assessed by the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP). Four groups were compared: a norm group (n=363), a group with sub‐threshold symptoms (n=11), the group defined as prodromal (n=12) and a group meeting criteria for psychosis (n=12). The results showed an increase in interpersonal problems with increasing severity of near‐psychotic and psychotic symptoms. Psychotherapeutic implications of focusing on interpersonal problems are discussed. Interpretation of the results must take into consideration that the sample was small.

Keywords:

• interpersonal relationships
• schizophrenia
• treatment planning
• prodromal
• inventory of interpersonal problems (IIP)

Acknowledgements

The study was financially supported by a grant from The Ministry of Health.

We wish to thank Stig Poulsen, associate professor Ph.D. Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen for practical and advisory help concerning the use of the IIP.