T232. PREMORBID SOCIAL FUNTIONING AND AFFECTIVE SYMTPOMS ARE RELATED TO SUBJECTIVE OUTCOME AMONG OUTPATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

BackgroundImproving the subjective outcome of patients should be an important target in the treatment of schizophrenia. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to examine the influence of determining factors, namely premorbid functioning, residual symptoms, and side effects of antipsychotic medication on subjective outcome.Methods70 outpatients with schizophrenia (ICD-10) who were clinically stable for a period of at least six months were included into a cross-sectional study. Premorbid functioning, psychopathology, and side effects were assessed by using the Premorbid Adjustment Scale, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser Side Effect Rating Scale, respectively. Subjective outcome was measured in terms of life satisfaction (Life Satisfaction Questionnaire, LSQ), self-esteem (Index of Self-Esteem, ISE), and needs for care (Berliner Bedürfnisinventar, BeBI).ResultsBoth premorbid social functioning and affective symptoms correlated negatively with most life domains assessed by the LSQ as well as with self-esteem and were associated with less health, social, and functional needs. Concerning side effects, parkinsonism and akathisia showed a significant negative correlation with self-esteem.DiscussionOur results highlight the complex nature of subjective outcome in patients suffering from schizophrenia. Evidently, premorbid social functioning plays a prominent role in the experienced subjective outcome in the course of the illness. Furthermore, our findings underscore that constant efforts are essential to reduce depressive symptoms or anxiety in patients. Special attention should also be paid to extrapyramidal motor side effects of medication.