Joint Hypermobility in Schizophrenia: A Potential Marker for Co-Morbid Anxiety

Introduction: The objective is to evaluate the presence and clinical relevance of the Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) among patients with schizophrenia. Methods: One hundred and twenty four outpatients with DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia were assessed by means of the following: Hospital del Mar criteria for joint Hypermobility (JHdMar), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Fear Survey Schedule (FSS) and Social Adjustment Scale (SAS). Results: JHS correlated positively with FSS (rho= 0.36p<0.0001) and negatively with age (rho=-0.34; p=0.0001). When taken as a dichotomic variable, PANSS-P (positive subscale) scores were significantly higher in the group with JHS as well (Z=2.0; p=0.045). Subjects with co-morbid panic disorder scored significantly higher in the JHdMar. JHdMar scores were linked by stepwise multiple regression to panic disorder, positive symptoms, and age(-). Conclusion: Joint hypermobility is significantly related to panic anxiety, positive symptoms and age in patients with schizophrenia. It is a probable clinical biological marker of interest.