title: Subjective well-being in schizophrenia as measured with the Subjective Well-Being under Neuroleptic Treatment scale: a review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptic Treatment scale (SWN) is the most widely used self-rating scale in recent research of subjective well-being in schizophrenia. We reviewed all available publications on relevant research of subjective well-being using the SWN, in order to evaluate measurement of subjective well-being with a single instrument.
  
  
  METHODS
  A MEDLINE and Embase search was performed for studies published between January 1994 and August 2010, analysing controlled and open clinical trials using the SWN.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 52 publications were identified covering 44 studies. Strong evidence exists for improvement of subjective well-being during treatment. Atypical antipsychotics are associated with a higher level of well-being. However, dosage is more important than the kind of medication. Striatal dopamine D(2) receptor occupancy is correlated with subjective well-being. Early positive response of subjective well-being is predictive of a better outcome. Research on determinants of subjective well-being is rapidly expanding, focusing mostly on the effects of medication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Subjective well-being of schizophrenia patients is a valuable outcome measure. It can be improved by optimizing antipsychotic treatment. More research on psychological and genetic predictors of subjective well-being is needed.
authors: Department of Training and Research, Arkin Mental Health Amsterdam, The Netherlands. sylke.vothknecht@planet.nl
authors: Sylke
authors: S
authors: Vothknecht
authors: Robert A
authors: RA
authors: Schoevers
authors: Lieuwe
authors: L
authors: de Haan
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents