Reduction in psychotic symptoms as a predictor of patient satisfaction with antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia: Data from a randomized double-blind trial
2006

Patient Satisfaction with Antipsychotic Medication in Schizophrenia

Sample size: 381 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gharabawi Georges M, Greenspan Andrew, Rupnow Marcia FT, Kosik-Gonzalez Colette, Bossie Cynthia A, Zhu Young, Kalali Amir H, Awad A George

Primary Institution: Janssen Pharmaceutica Inc.

Hypothesis

Is patient satisfaction with antipsychotic medication associated with symptom improvement in schizophrenia?

Conclusion

The study found that treatment satisfaction is positively associated with symptom improvement, especially in psychotic symptoms.

Supporting Evidence

  • Medication satisfaction was significantly associated with improvement in positive symptoms.
  • Patients treated with risperidone reported higher satisfaction compared to those on quetiapine or placebo.
  • Older age was associated with higher medication satisfaction at day 14.

Takeaway

If patients feel better on their medication, they are happier with it. This study shows that feeling better helps people stick with their treatment.

Methodology

The study was a randomized, double-blind trial comparing risperidone, quetiapine, and placebo over 6 weeks.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to funding from Janssen, the manufacturer of the medications studied.

Limitations

The study only measured satisfaction at two time points and may not capture changes over time.

Participant Demographics

Mean age was 34.8 years, with 60% male participants.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-244X-6-45

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication