Quality of life in Romanian patients with schizophrenia based on gender, type of schizophrenia, therapeutic approach, and family history

• Main Authors: Elena Alina Roșca, Ovidiu Alexinschi, Călin Brîncuș, Valentin Petre Matei, Ana Giurgiuca
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ion Motofei, Carol Davila University 2018-10-01
• Series: Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences
• Subjects: schizophrenia; quality of life; SWN-S; WHOQoL–BREF; gender; treatment type; family history
• Online Access: https://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1141&context=jmms

The low quality of life of patients with schizophrenia has been extensively discussed and investigated. Various aspects from gender, socio-demographic profile, and/or type of neuroleptic treatment have been taken into account in describing this condition. The purpose of this study is to assess the perceived quality of life of Romanian patients suffering from schizophrenia and to correlate it with gender differences, type of schizophrenia, family history of psychiatric illness, and type of antipsychotic treatment. 143 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM IV-TR and ICD 10 were included in the study. Social demographic data were documented and further assessment was performed using the Subjective Well Being under Neuroleptic Treatment Scale –the short form (SWN-S) and the short version of the WHO- Questionnaire for The Quality of Life (WHO-QoL-BREF). The mental functioning dimension was higher in men than women; the social integration dimension was higher for the residual type of schizophrenia. Emotional regulation and the capacity of social integration did not show significant differences between patients who had a family history of mental illness and those who did not. Levels of self-control and physical functioning were better for patients treated with atypical antipsychotics and who did not report a family history of psychiatric illness. All five dimensions of the SWN-S were higher in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics, compared to those who were treated with typical antipsychotics. The study showed that for people with schizophrenia mental functioning was better preserved in men, in patients who did not have a family history of psychiatric illness, and in patients who were treated with atypical antipsychotics. The level of social integration was better in patients who were treated with atypical antipsychotics but this effect depended on the type of schizophrenia.