The Association of Medical Comorbidity in Schizophrenia With Poor Physical and Mental Health

719 persons with schizophrenia were interviewed to determine the prevalence of medical comorbidities & their association with physical & mental health status. The majority of patients reported at least 1 medical problem. A greater number of current medical problems independently contributed to worse perceived physical health status, more severe psychosis & depression, & greater likelihood of a suicide attempt. This study points to the need to attend to the somatic health care of this population.