Response and remission of subjective well-being in patients suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Eur Psychiatry. 2011 Jul-Aug;26(5):284-92. doi: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2009.11.005. Epub 2010 May 1.

Abstract

Background: Purpose of this study was to assess subjective well-being in schizophrenia inpatients and to find variables predictive for response and remission of subjective well-being.

Method: The subjective well-being under neuroleptic treatment scale (SWN-K) was used in 232 schizophrenia patients within a naturalistic multicenter trial. Early response was defined as a SWN-K total score improvement of 20% and by at least 10 points within the first 2 treatment weeks, response as an improvement in SWN-K total score of at least 20% and by at least 10 points from admission to discharge and remission in subjective well-being as a total score of more or equal to 80 points at discharge. Logistic regression and CART analyses were used to determine valid predictors of subjective well-being outcome.

Results: Twenty-nine percent of the patients were detected to be SWN-K early responders, 40% fulfilled criteria for response in subjective well-being and 66% fulfilled criteria for remission concerning subjective well-being. Among the investigated predictors, SWN-K early improvement and the educational status were significantly associated with SWN-K response. The SWN-K total score at baseline showed a significant negative predictive value for response. Baseline SWN-K total score, PANSS global subscore, and side effects as well as the educational status were found to be significantly predictive for remission.

Conclusions: Depressive symptoms should be radically treated and side effects closely monitored to improve the patient's subjective well-being. The important influence of subjective well-being on overall treatment outcome could be underlined.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Schizophrenia / rehabilitation*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome