Quality of Life in Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: Comparison of Self-report and Proxy Assessment

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.-J. Kim ◽  
S.-J. Kim ◽  
H.-S. Cho

Aims:There is little data to indicate whether or not patients with chronic mental illness can provide self-report QOL data or if informant reports can substitute the patients’ ratings. We evaluated patient-proxy agreement in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and compared levels of agreement according to the relationship between patient-proxies.Method:WHOQOL-BREF and SF-36, two of the most popular quality of life instrument were administered to 82 schizophrenia-proxy and 50 bipolar disorder patient-proxy pairs.Results:Proxies of schizophrenia patients rated patients’ QOL lower than the patients themselves. Agreement between patients and proxies on the four main domains of QOL was moderate to good. Moreover, the agreement between patients’ and proxies’ ratings was higher when the proxy was a mother or spouse compared to father.Conclusion:These findings suggest that proxy rating of QOL can be used as a reasonable estimate of the patients’ rating of QOL in schizophrenia and bipolar patients, at least in Korea. Knowing which domains of QoL are affected in specific psychiatric disorders can help clinicians focus on particular QoL domains during the diagnostic process and to define adequate treatment goals. Therefore, the assessment of QoL may be an important part of the diagnostic process because it can give insight into the areas of functioning in which a patient is suffering the most.

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 231-231
Author(s):  
L. Zouari ◽  
I. Abida ◽  
M. Walha ◽  
J. Masmoudi ◽  
J. Ben Thabet ◽  
...  

IntroductionThe classic opinion of a favorable prognosis of bipolar disorders, compared to schizophrenia, is refuted by modern conceptions.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) in bipolar patients compared to schizophrenic patients’, and to identify clinical and sociodemographic variables statistically associated to a poor QOL in bipolar disorder patients.MethodsOne hundred and twenty outpatients, 50 with bipolar disorder and 70 with schizophrenia, according to DSM-IV-TR criteria, were included in the study. The QOL has been assessed, in all patients, using the «36 item Short-Form Health Survey» (SF-36).ResultsThirty-six percent of the bipolar patients had a poor QOL, versus 37% among the schizophrenic patients. The bipolar patients had the score of the standardized vitality subscale significantly lower than schizophrenic patients’ (p = 0.036); the latter had the standardized general health subscale score significantly lower (p = 0.03). There were no other statistically significant differences. The multivariate analyses showed three variables significantly correlated to a poor QOL in bipolar patients: age at the time of the study ≥ 40 years (p = 0.01), professional irregularity or inactivity (p = 0.005), age at onset ≥ 25 years (p = 0.004).ConclusionOur survey of the QOL in bipolar patients showed that it did not differ globally from the schizophrenic patients’, with the SF-36 scale. Results reported in the literature are not in agreement. Further longitudinal studies on several months, with other assessments, would permit to verify the validity of our results.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1593-1603
Author(s):  
Michał Rabijewski ◽  
Lucyna Papierska ◽  
Radosław Maksym ◽  
Ryszard Tomasiuk ◽  
Anna Kajdy ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between men with prediabetes (PD) and a control group as well as to investigate the relationship between HRQoL and anabolic hormones. The analysis was carried out in 176 middle-aged (40–59 years) and elderly (60 80 years) men with PD, and 184 control peers. PD was defined according the American Diabetes Association and HRQoL was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire. Total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were measured. Analysis of the standardized physical and mental component summary scores (SF-36p and SF-36m) revealed that patients with PD had lower SF-36p and SF-36m than control group ( p < .02 and p < .001). Middle-aged men with PD had lower SF-36p and SF-36m than control peers, whereas elderly men with PD had lower only SF-36p. In men with PD negative correlations between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and SF-35m score ( r = −0.3768; p = .02) and between HbA1c and SF-36p score ( r = −0.3453; p = .01) were reported. In middle-aged prediabetic men, SF-36p was associated with high free testosterone and low HbA1c while SF-36m with high TT and high DHEAS. In elderly patients with PD, SF-36p was associated with high TT, high IGF-1, and low HbA1c, while SF-36m correlated with high free testosterone and high DHEAS. In conclusion, PD in men is associated with decreased HRQoL in comparison with healthy men, and generally better quality of life is associated with higher testosterone, higher free testosterone, higher DHEAS, and lower HbA1c.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 213-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nooshin Masoudian ◽  
Mohammad Sarmadi ◽  
Rasool Najafi ◽  
Fereshteh Najafi ◽  
Shirin Maleki

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Burden of Care and Quality of Life in informal home caregivers of stroke patients in Iran. Also we were trying to explore the factors that affect the burden of care. In this cross-sectional study, we have selected 62 informal home caregivers of the patients admitted to “the stroke outpatient unit of the neurology clinic” of the central hospital in Semnan province, Iran, to take part in the investigation. We interviewed them using the Caregiver Burden Inventory and SF-36 Questionnaire for assessing their quality of life. There was a negative and significant correlation between different aspects of quality of life and burden of care. In the bivariate regression model, being married and having lower levels of education (minimum years of schooling) were associated with higher levels of the burden. Our study shows that increasing burden of care in informal home caregivers reduces the quality of life in all domains. Thus, the results of this study indicate that an increase in the burden of caregiving on caregivers lowers their quality of life in all aspects; especially, caregivers who provide care to their spouses encountered more burden. Therefore, these caregivers must be in the center of interest while planning to reduce the burden of care.


2000 ◽  
Vol 177 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg Wilkinson ◽  
Bernadette Hesdon ◽  
Diane Wild ◽  
Ron Cookson ◽  
Carole Farina ◽  
...  

BackgroundQuality of life is the subject of growing interest and investigation.AimsTo develop and validate a short, self-report quality of life questionnaire (the Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale, SQLS).MethodPeople with schizophrenia in Liverpool were recruited via the NHS. Items, generated from in-depth interviews, were developed into an 80-item self-report questionnaire. Data were factor analysed, and a shorter form measure was tested for reliability and validity. This measure was administered together with other self-report measures – SF–36, GHQ–12 and HADS – to assess validity.ResultsData were analysed to produce a final 30-item questionnaire, comprising three scales (‘psychosocial’, ‘motivation and energy’, and ‘symptoms and side-effects’) addressing different SQLS dimensions. Internal consistency reliability of the scale was found to be satisfactory. There was a high level of association with relevant SF–36, GHQ–12 and HADS scores.ConclusionsThe SQLS was completed within 5–10 minutes. It possesses internal reliability and construct validity, and promises to be a useful tool for the evaluation of new treatment regimes for people with schizophrenia.


2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (3) ◽  
pp. 111-114
Author(s):  
Teresa Dryl-Rydzyńska ◽  
Jarosław Sak ◽  
Andrzej Książek

Abstract Introduction. Recent studies in this field are insufficient to determine the relationship between life quality and hemodialy-sis adequacy. The problem, which requires further analysis is the issue of verification of these relationships and the problem of the relationship between sleep disorders and hemodialysis indicators. Aim. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between quality of life and sleep disorders occurring among patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with hemodialysis and the dialysis adequacy parameters. Material and methods. The survey was based on two standardized international scales: the Quality of Life Scale (SF-36) and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The study was conducted among 150 patients (67 women and 83 men) treated with hemodialysis at the Fresenius center. All patients participating in the study were undergoing dialysis three times a week. The average value of Kt/V was 1.45 (SD=0.22) and URR ration 71.78 (SD=5.95). Results. The urea level prior to hemodialysis moderately strongly correlates with life energy deficit (r=-0.34, p=-0.049) and that the values of urea reduction ratio URR weakly correlates with the patient's conviction on restricting life's activity (SF-36) (r=0.18, p=0.046). The level of urea prior to dialysis correlates positively with the time of falling asleep in PSQI scale (r=-0.39, p=0.023). Conclusions. Patients with lower urea level before hemodialysis have a significantly higher vitality level. Higher fluctuations of urea concentrations before and after hemodialysis (higher urea reduction ratio URR) are associated with restrictions of physical activity in hemodialysis patients.


2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
M. Mazza ◽  
D. Harnic ◽  
G. Marano ◽  
V. Catalano ◽  
L. Janiri ◽  
...  

Introdution:Our study represents a pilot evaluation about how the MOOD-SR recognizes subthreshold manifestations that may be associated with clinical symptomatology in a group of bipolar patients.Methods:At Day Hospital of Psychiatry, Policlinico “A. Gemelli”, Bipolar Disorders Unit, it has been conducted an experimental study on a heterogeneous sample of 24 patients with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder type I. Patients have been assessed with the MOOD-SR, a clinical self-reported interview, that is specific for the spectrum of subthreshold pathology, and with the Quality of Life (QoL), that investigates the patient's quality of life.Results:We have found that 16 patients on 24 report a score higher than 60 (68,4%). Among these, 10 female patients on 15 have a total score higer than 61 (68.75%) while 6 male patients on 9 obtain a total score higher than 60 (62,5%). However, these results have only preliminary value, further studies are needed in order to obtain a deeper evaluation.Conclusion:Spectrum manifestations are both indicator of course and response to treatment and predictive for relapse. This finding may represent an important preventive instrument for maniacal relapse in patients with Bipolar Disorder, that is often underdiagnosed or confused for Unipolar Depression. By adequately recognizing the problem we will be able to refine diagnosis and individualize therapy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 37-43
Author(s):  
Andriy Rybin

The aim of this research was to assess the quality of life in patients with stage III ovarian cancer during the treatment period, depending on the applied therapeutic approaches. A comparative analysis of the results of treatment of 350 patients with adenocarcinoma of the ovaries of III-IV stage, which have undergone suboptimal or non-optimal cytomelective surgery, was conducted. To assess the quality of life and to examine the relationship between changes in physical health and quality of life, patients in both groups were asked to complete the questionnaires EORTC QLQ-C30 and SF-36. According to the questionnaire of the EORTC QLQ-C30, the indicators of physical activity, the ability to do everyday affairs, were higher in the second group of patients who received differentiated treatment. The indicator of "social functioning" was also higher in the II group of patients. When evaluating the patients' liver on the scale of the questionnaire SF-36, it was found that the positive effect of differentiated therapy is maintained for 3 years. Life quality is an important criterion for evaluating the results of antitumor therapy, and when it is continuously monitored in patients with ovarian cancer the safety of treatment for patients could be improved, including at an advanced stage


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratima

Family caregivers of persons with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia experience high level of burden and compromised quality of life. A considerable amount of burden on the caregivers often leads to display of certain attitudes towards persons with severe mental illness called expressed emotion, which then leads to poor quality of patients as well. Although numerous studies dealing with these issues separately are present, but studies dealing with relationship, using mixed methodology, among these issues are scarce. The aim of the present study was to understand how actually the construct of quality of life in different demographic conditions affect life conditions of schizophrenic and bipolar patients and determining relapse. The present study was designed mainly to assess the quality of life on patients and the families of a particular group of patients namely those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The objectives if the present research were to study: (i) the quality of life of patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Affective disorder. (ii) the quality of life of caregivers of patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Affective disorder. Patients with disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder are more likely to relapse when there is high expressed emotion present in their living environment. The stress from the remarks and attitudes of the family is overwhelming because they feel like the cause of the problems. The patient then falls into the cycle of relapse. The only way to escape this vortex for the family is to go through therapy together to prevent the relapse. But before that it becomes necessary to understand that what is the reason behind such attitude towards a family member who is mentally ill, what is the cause of burden and what all changes the caregivers’ and the patients’ quality of life come across.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra ◽  
John S. Ogrodniczuk ◽  
Joanna Cheek ◽  
David Kealy ◽  
Ingrid Sochting

Background: Despite much attention in the clinical literature, research on alexithymia in the treatment setting has only recently gained traction. While several reports indicate limited benefit from therapy amongst patients with high alexithymia, this seems to be less so in the context of group therapy. This study considers a specific aspect of the group therapy process - family re-enactment - infacilitating improvement in overall quality of life for patients with high levels of alexithymia.Subjects and methods: Family re-enactment was examined as a potential mediator of the relationship between alexithymia and change in quality of life among 50 patients who completed treatment in an intensive, integrative group therapy programme. Patients completed three self-report measures: Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (baseline), Quality of Life Inventory (baseline, post-therapy), and Therapeutic Factors Inventory-Short Form (week 8). Regression with mediation analysis was employed using the change scorefor the QOLI as the dependent variable, alexithymia scores as the independent variable, and the family re-enactment score as the mediator; baseline quality of life was included in the model as a control variable.Results: Family re-enactment emerged as a significant mediator of the relationship between alexithymia and treatment outcome, implicating it as a contributing mechanism of change for alexithymic patients who participate in group therapy.Conclusion: Patients with higher levels of alexithymia (in particular, difficulty identifying and describing feelings) were more likely to positively endorse aspects of family re-enactment during group therapy, which in turn were significantly associated with greater improvement in patients’ overall quality of life.


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