First Case-Control Study of Intestinal Parasites in Follow-up Schizophrenia Patients: Are We Overlooking the Role of These Agents?

Abstract

Introduction: Disability and decrease in the quality of life owing to the nature of schizophrenia are considered factors that predispose patients to parasitic infections. This study aimed to investigate intestinal parasites in schizophrenia and healthy volunteers with similar age-gender data and to contribute to the literature and/or clinical practice by determining the underlying cause of gastrointestinal complaints (such as side effects of psychiatric drugs or overlooked parasitic infection) in patients with schizophrenia.