Introduction: The present study compares the subjective responses of patients in the stable phase
of schizophrenia being treated with either olanzapine or risperidone. Methods: Several well-established, self-report inventories were used in this investigation,
providing a means of assessing the impact of these medications from the perspective
of the patient. Results: Patients randomly sampled from a continuing care clinic had been receiving treatment
with olanzapine and risperidone for an average of 140 weeks and 225 weeks, respectively.
The two treatment groups report highly positive attitudes toward their medication
and a relatively high overall level of well-being and health-related quality of life.
All patients report high levels of satisfaction with the mental health services they
receive and their general health status. Olanzapine-treated patients were more likely
to report reduced social and family interaction, as well as reduced sexual behavior
and less participation in active recreational and pastime activities. Patients on
olanzapine also reported greater difficulty in thinking clearly and more feelings
of uselessness and of being lost and alone. The occurrence of antipsychotic-induced
tardive dyskinesia and akathisia was low in both treatment groups. Discussion: Results point to a high level of subjective tolerability for both olanzapine and
risperidone, with few differences between the two medications on the subjective dimensions
of outcome assessed in this study. Future studies should expand on the findings here,
building on the limitations toward a large study including a comparison group receiving
long-term treatment with typical antipsychotics. Ultimately, the goal should be the
incorporation of patient-oriented assessments into routine clinical practice. This
is particularly important given the relationship among satisfaction with treatment,
compliance, and quality of life.
References
In: Clear perspectives - management issues in schizophrenia: patient satisfaction,
compliance and outcomes in schizophrenia . London (UK); AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals 1999: 1-6 Prediction of neuroleptic treatment outcome in schizophrenia: concepts and methods . Vienna; Springer-Verlag 1994: pp. 85-98
brent.mcgrath@ualberta.ca
