Subjective Quality of Life in Schizophrenic Patients Receiving Atypical Antipsychotics: Relationship to Psychopathology, Adverse Drug Effects and Subjective Response to Drug.
- Author:
Jong Hoon KIM
1
;
Jeong Hee YOON
;
Ja Young LEE
;
Kyong Hee NO
;
Sung Kuk HONG
;
Se Chang YOON
;
Ung Gu KANG
;
Yong Sik KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Quality of life;
Schizophrenia;
Psychic side effect;
Extrapyramidal side effect;
Depressive symptom
- MeSH:
Antipsychotic Agents*;
Anxiety;
Depression;
Humans;
Psychopathology*;
Quality of Life*;
Schizophrenia
- From:Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association
2003;42(2):222-230
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of psychopathology, adverse drug effects, and subjective response to drugs that have a significant impact on the subjective quality of life in schizophrenic patients receiving atypical antipsychotics. METHODS: One hundred and one schizophrenic patients, who were receiving maintenance treatment with atypical antipsychotics, were evaluated. Subjective quality of life was assessed using the standardized Korean modification of a self-rating scale to measure subjective well-being under neuroleptics (KmSWN). Patients' psychopathology was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Adverse effects and subjective response to drug were evaluated using the Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale and the Drug Attitude Inventory-10, respectively. Correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis were conducted. RESULTS: In psychopathology, the severity of depression and anxiety showed the most significant correlation with the score of KmSWN. In adverse drug effects, the severity of psychic side effect and extrapyramidal side effect showed the most significant correlation with the score of KmSWN. Regarding subjective response to drug, significant correlation was observed between the severity of subjective negative response and the score of KmSWN. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that psychic side effect, extrapyramidal side effect, and depression contributed significantly to the total score of KmSWN. These variables accounted for 59.7% of the total variance. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that psychic side effect, extrapyramidal side effect and depressive symptom are the clinical characteristics that are significantly associated with the subjective quality of life. An effective management strategy for these variables should be established in developing a treatment program to enhance the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia.
