Subjective Experiences of Antipsychotic Treatment: A Comparison of First and Second-generation Medications among Patients with Schizophrenia | Chapter 01 | Innovations in Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 1
Aims: The patient’s perspective of antipsychotic treatment has been a relatively neglected area of research. Whether subjective experiences of antipsychotic treatment are better among patients on second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), than those on first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) has also evoked some controversy. This study attempted a longitudinal comparison of attitudes toward treatment, subjective well-being and quality of life (QOL) between patients on SGAs and FGAs. Socio-demographic and clinical correlates of these subjective experiences were also examined. Methodology: Standardised ratings of insight, psychopathology, side-effects, attitudes, subjective well-being and QOL were carried out among 40 patients with schizophrenia on SGAs and 30 on FGAs, over a 6-month period. Results: Both groups were similar in the first 3-month period, apart from the slightly greater severity of illness in the FGA group. Differences in symptom-severity and side-effects emerge...