Systematic comparison of subjective and objective measures of quality of life at 4-year follow-up subsequent to a first episode of psychosis.
There is enduring debate about the validity of subjective measures of quality of life derived from people with psychiatric disorders and particularly from those with psychosis. We evaluated patients with established psychosis 4 years after their first episode. We compared subjective and objective measures of quality of life and evaluated the influence of insight on the individual's interpretation of their quality of life. Subjective measures of quality of life were derived using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Version, and objective measures of quality of life were derived using the Quality of Life Scale by Heinrichs et al. We measured Insight using the Insight Scale. There were robust correlations between subjective and objective assessments of quality of life. This was most marked for psychological symptoms. Self-report measures are valid and should form part of the overall assessment of quality of life among patients with psychotic disorders.
Whitty
Peter
P
Stanley Research Unit, Cluain Mhuire Family Centre, Blackrock, County Dublin, Ireland.
Browne
Stephen
S
Clarke
Mary
M
McTigue
Orfhlaith
O
Waddington
John
J
Kinsella
Tony
T
Larkin
Conal
C
O'Callaghan
Eadbhard
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001364:Awareness; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires