[Neuroleptics and quality of life. A patient survey]

This paper addresses the question as to which positive effects of drug treatment on quality of life are expected by schizophrenic patients, and which negative effects should be avoided by any means.

A survey, using open-ended questions, was carried out among schizophrenic patients from all over Germany (n = 565).

Most frequently the patients hoped for a general improvement or stabilisation of their state of health when taking medication. When asked about positive effects, almost every fourth respondent gave a somewhat paradoxical answer by stating that the medication should have less or no side effects. Less frequently, by only 15%, the calming and relaxing effect of the drugs was cited, followed by the antipsychotic effect and relapse prevention. With regard to negative effects, extrapyramidal motor symptoms ranked first with 42% of those questioned regarding them to be a restriction of their quality of life which should definitely be avoided. Second most frequently, sedation was mentioned, followed by weight gain.

In the light of the introduction of so-called "atypical" neuroleptics, the implications for compliance with the treatment are discussed.