Agitation/excitement in male patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia is associated with lower total cholesterol levels.

BACKGROUND

Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia (TRS) in males with agitation/excitement poses a clinical challenge. The pathophysiological mechanisms of agitation/excitement in Male TRS remain unclear. This study explores these mechanisms and investigates potential biomarkers for agitation/excitement.

METHOD: 180 Male TRS patients and 100 healthy controls were enrolled. Psychiatric symptoms and agitation/excitement were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale 5-factor model (PANSS-5F) and the PANSS-Excited Component (PANSS-EC). Patients were divided into Male TRS with agitation/excitement (n=80) and without agitation/excitement (n=100). Demographic data and lipid profiles (triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein) were collected for both groups. Statistical analyses assessed the relationship between lipid profiles and agitation/excitement.

RESULTS

A negative correlation was found between total cholesterol (TC) levels and agitation/excitement in Male TRS. Those with agitation/excitement had worse educational and marital status and more severe cognitive impairment. TC levels and hypercholesterolemia were higher in Male TRS compared to healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower TC levels in Male TRS with agitation/excitement are associated with higher agitation/excitement risk. TC may be an associated factor for agitation/excitement in this population.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2200063407.