PATIENTS SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCES ON ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS - IMPLICATIONS FOR OUTCOME AND QUALITY-OF-LIFE

The phenomenon of subjective response to antipsychotic medications in schizophrenia was reviewed, focusing on validity, measurement, implica tions for clinical outcome and quality of life. Recommendations were m ade on improvements in research approaches to important factors that m ay contribute to the genesis of this phenomenon. Clinicians should pay attention to the subjective complaints of their patients about medica tions and not ignore them as unreliable. Researchers should not dismis s research into subjective experiences as non-scientific, because it p rovides valuable information on recognizing psychopathology and for im proving the management of patients.