[Quality of life of the mentally ill].
Object of this research project was to study the subjective quality of life of psychiatric patients. The vulnerability of 424 out- and inpatients was assessed. The Vulnerability Index, composed of: marital status, income, health, life conditions, occupation, and risk factors in childhood was used. According to their vulnerability, two groups of patients were differentiated: patients with high and low vulnerability. We compared these objective criteria of vulnerability with the subjective quality of life (Q-LES-Q). Quality of life was also compared with diagnosis, severity of illness, and treatment (first contact/long-term contacts). Quality of life of 250 patients was analysed after one year follow up. Patients with a low vulnerability score are more satisfied with 'social relations' than patients with a high vulnerability score. In-patients are more satisfied with 'social relations' than out-patients. Out-patients are more satisfied with their 'physical health', 'subjective feelings', 'leisure time activities', and 'overall life satisfaction' than in-patients. Patients with a mild affective disorder have a better 'life satisfaction' than patients with severe affective disorder. Quality of life of schizophrenics and of patients with anxiety and adjustment disorders has improved significantly after one year.
Henkel
H
H
Kuratorium für Psychosoziale Dienste, Wien. psd-quasi@netway.at
Schmitz
M
M
Berghofer
G
G
Lang
A
A
Kager
A
A
Steiner
E
E
Schmidl
F
F
Rudas
S
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001317:Austria; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012917:Social Adjustment