Variables Influencing Subjective Well-Being in Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between subjective well-being and other clinical parameters such as sociodemographic and clinical variables, which include positive and negative symptoms, depressive symptoms, insight, and side effects. Methods : Fifty-one outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia were recruited in this study. Subjective well-being was assessed using a self-rating scale, the Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptics-Short form (SWN-K). Sociodemographic variables were also evaluated and other evaluations were conducted using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale (LUNSERS), Korean Version of the Revised Insight Scale for Psychosis (KISP), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The relationship between subjective well-being and these clinical variables was assessed. Results : Education years and social support scores were positively correlated with the total SWN-K scores, but severity of illness, severity of depression, severity of side effect, and the scores on insight were negatively correlated. The stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that the total SWN-K score of the patients with schizophrenia was associated with negative symptoms and insight. Conclusion : Better insight and more severe negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia may be associated with worse subjective well-being. Results indicate that careful evaluation of subjective well-being is essential for proper management of patients with schizophrenia.