First-admitted schizophrenic patients: The burden of the disease

In this study we examined subjective views other than the usually studied quality of life, needs and treatment satisfaction, of first-admitted schizophrenic patients. Methods: Data of 90 patients were gathered with two established and a new questionnaire. Results: Signs of anxious unrest and loss of vigour are the most frequently reported complaints in patients as well as in a sample of the Berlin general population that was also studied but with a clearly higher incidence in the patients. Patients are most often burdened by concerns regarding their disease and their objective living conditions, especially work. They experience social contacts and leisure activities as helpful. Conclusions: The findings suggest that complaints, burdens, worries and the fear of negative consequences - rather than being an expression of specific schizophrenic symptoms - are a non-specific reaction to a difficult and burdensome situation. In clinical practice, special consideration of this reaction and of the social conditions seems useful.