[Possibilities and limitations of the use of quality of life as outcome-indicator in schizophrenic patients].
OBJECTIVE
A systematic review on empirical results of studies that assess Quality of Life (QoL) in schizophrenic patients.


METHODS
A systematic overview of the literature is provided with focus on schizophrenic patients under deprived living conditions.


RESULTS
No consistent relationships are found between objective living conditions and their subjective evaluation by means of QoL-ratings. The latter are influenced by the level of depression, personality factors and adaptation.


CONCLUSIONS
Objective and subjective variables represent distinct latent constructs. Standards for the use of subjective QoL as outcome indicator are suggested.
Franz
Michael
M
Universitätsklinikum Giessen und Marburg, Standort Giessen, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Arbeitsgruppe Sozialpsychiatrie/Versorgungsforschung, Germany. michael.franz@psychiat.med.uni-giessen.de
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D011610:Psychosocial Deprivation; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome