Quality of life for persons living with schizophrenia: more than just symptoms.
Quality of life is an important outcome for persons living with schizophrenia and for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, studies of quality of life among persons living with schizophrenia have focused primarily on the symptoms experienced by the individual. This study sought to determine the influence of unmet need and social support on the quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia. Thirty-two persons living in the community with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were assessed on quality of life, psychopathology, unmet need and social support. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that unmet need and social support are important contributors to the quality of life of a person with schizophrenia, even after controlling for symptoms. Implications for schizophrenia treatment are discussed.
Eack
Shaun M
SM
School of Socail Work, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Newhill
Christina E
CE
Anderson
Carol M
CM
Rotondi
Armando J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011599:Psychopathology; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome