People with schizophrenia are more likely to develop COPD, suggesting a possible syndemic relationship between the two illnesses. That’s according to research published in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation.
The authors of the study, “COPD and Schizophrenia,” conducted a review of existing data on people with both conditions in an effort to find connections between the two. According to a news release, the analysis showed that people with schizophrenia have higher rates of tobacco smoking, leading to an increased risk of COPD.
Even after adjusting for smoking, there was still a higher prevalence of COPD among schizophrenia patients. Researchers said this could be the result of shared socioeconomic, genetic and environmental risk factors. For example, they found that people with schizophrenia are less likely to receive adequate medical care, leading to an under-diagnosis of COPD. In addition, COPD symptoms are often viewed as psychosomatic in people with schizophrenia and antipsychotic medications could impact respiratory health.
“People with schizophrenia are less likely to use primary and preventative services or seek help for medical concerns. They also tend to prioritize mental health issues over physical illness,” said David M.G. Halpin, MBBS, DPhil, FRCP, a professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Exeter, Exeter, U.K., and co-author of the article.
Halpin said physicians need to be aware of the higher risk of COPD among this patient population and act accordingly.
“Patients should have regular physical health checks, and those with schizophrenia and COPD should be offered comprehensive care,” he said. “Developing integrated care services and avoiding stigma could make a significant difference to outcomes, including survival, in this disadvantaged group of patients.”
