Sensation seeking behavior among schizophrenics

ABSTRACT

To compare sensation seeking between schizophrenic patients [and clinical subtypes of schizophrenia] according to criteria of DSM-IV-TR; and a healthy control group. Two hypotheses were assumed 1. Sensation seeking in the control group is higher than schizophrenic patients. 2. The levels of sensation seeking are different among clinical subtypes of schizophrenia. The sample comprised a study group of 69 schizophrenic inpatients at Raazy Psychiatric Center, Tehran, Iran in 2005 [10 males and 10 females for each of paranoid, undifferentiated and residual subtypes, and 9 males from disorganized subtype], and 50 randomly selected healthy people, the control group. To measure sensation seeking, the Zuckermann Sensation Seeking Scale, a 41-item questionnaire form, was used after evaluating its validity and reliability. After obtaining a weak or negative correlation, we omitted 9 questions, so that finally a 32-item questionnaire with highest reliability [Crunbach's alpha = 0.64], remained and was utilized. We used descriptive statistical methods and calculation of statistical indices, and Student t-test for independent groups to evaluate the research hypotheses. The first hypothesis was confirmed at a 99% significance level. The second hypothesis was rejected at a 95% significance level. We found a definite correlation between schizophrenia and a low level of sensation seeking. Accordingly, and since sensation seeking [as a part of temperament] has a strong genetic component, a low level of sensation seeking is probably an existing feature of schizophrenia. Assessing sensation seeking in high-risk populations [children or the siblings of schizophrenics] could be a practical attempt at prevention or immediate treatment of schizophrenia