Does attitude toward psychosis relate to outcome?

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Mental Health

Background:

• Previous research indicated a positive attitude towards illness correlates with good outcomes in recovered schizophrenic patients.
• Schizophrenia recovery is influenced by psychological factors, including patient attitudes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between patient attitudes towards illness and future prospects and their recovery outcomes in schizophrenia.
• To replicate and extend previous findings on the psychological correlates of schizophrenia recovery.

Main Methods:

• The study involved follow-up assessments of recovered schizophrenic patients.
• Patient attitudes towards their illness and future were evaluated.
• Outcome measures were used to assess patient recovery.

Main Results:

• A partial replication of previous findings was observed.
• A less negative attitude towards illness and future was associated with better patient outcomes.
• An extremely positive attitude did not show a significant association with good outcomes.
• No relationship was found between the integration or isolation of psychotic experiences and patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The absence of a negative attitude, rather than a strongly positive one, appears critical for successful schizophrenia recovery.
• Psychological coping styles (integration/isolation of psychotic experiences) may operate unconsciously and are distinct from conscious attitudes towards illness.