FIRST-ADMITTED SCHIZOPHRENIC-PATIENTS - T HE BURDEN OF THE DISEASE

In this study we examined subjective views other than the usually stud ied quality of life, needs and treatment satisfaction, of first-admitt ed schizophrenic patients. Methods: Data of 90 patients were gathered with two established and a new questionnaire. Results: Signs of anxiou s unrest and loss of vigour are the most frequently reported complaint s 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 patie nts. Patients are most often burdened by concerns regarding their dise ase and their objective living conditions, especially work. They exper ience 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 s chizophrenic 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.