Attitudes of patients with schizophrenia to psychiatric research

Objective. To examine how patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders view psychiatric research and what influences their readiness to participate. Methods. A sample of 83 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders was examined using a specific self-report questionnaire designed for the purpose of the study. Results. Most patients (97%) approved at least "a little" of psychiatric research in general. There was a tendency to approve of psychosocial rather than biological research subjects (e.g., research on the role of traumatic life events was approved by 95% of patients as compared to 72% in the case of genetics and 76% in the case of medication studies). Reasons to participate were mainly altruistic, only a minority found that monetary incentives were important. Another important reason was to improve individual chances of recovery. A large majority (95%) found it important to get sufficient information prior to the start but also to receive the results of the study. Conclusion. Patients' capability of critically appraising psychiatric research as well as their role in the research process should inform future research to ensure a more cooperative practice.