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.