Prognosis of schizophrenia from the viewpoint of patients and relatives An explorative study

Objective: This study is aimed at exploring what schizophrenic patients and their closest relatives expect the further course of the illness will be like and how it can be influenced. Method: Problem-centered interviews were conducted with 31 schizophrenic patients and their closest relatives at discharge from hospital treatment. The verbatim transcripts of the interviews were analyzed by means of structuring qualitative content analysis. Results: Most frequently, the respondents expected an improvement of the illness or they were unsure whether the actual recovery from psychosis will persist or whether a further relapse will occur. Less frequently, the respondents were sure that this will be the case or that the illness will take a chronic, eventually deteriorating course. The majority was convinced that the course of the illness can be influenced, by psychiatric treatment as well as by the patients themselves. As concerns the social situation in the near future, particularly changes of the occupational status were hoped for. Conclusion: The assessment of the prognosis of the schizophrenic illness by most patients and relatives appears quite realistic. Rather than considering themselves as helpless victims they see opportunities for influencing the further course of the illness. This should have a positive influence on the readiness to use mental health service and to Comply With treatment recommendations.