Do patients with schizophrenia wish to be involved in decisions about their medical treatment?

Abstract

Objective: Little is known about the desire of patients with schizophrenia to be involved in medical decisions affecting their treatment.

Method: The authors administered the Autonomy Preference Index to 122 inpatients with schizophrenia. In addition, the patients filled out the Drug Attitude Inventory. Sociodemographic data and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale ratings were available for all patients.

Results: The patients expressed a desire for shared decision making that was slightly greater than that of primary care patients. Negative attitudes toward medical treatment and younger age were associated with a higher desire for participation.

Conclusions: It is important to meet the participation needs of patients who are dissatisfied with their psychiatric treatment.