Patients' and relatives' assessment of clozapine treatment

Background, Subjective evaluations by schizophrenic patients and their rela tives of clozapine treatment were assessed as part of an exploratory study. Methods. A problem-centred interview was carried out with 80 patients at di scharge from in-patient or day-hospital treatment. Views of 46 relatives on the treatment were also assessed. Results. In addition to expected effects (improvement of or stabilisation o f one's state of mental health, antipsychotic effects), patients surprising ly often highlighted the calming and relaxing effect of clozapine as well a s improved sleep as particularly positive. While more than half of the resp ondents expected a worsening of their condition if they stopped taking medi cation, only every fifth patient feared a relapse. Among the negative effec ts, fatigue and sedation were cited by far the most often. The absence of e xtrapyramidal side effects was clearly noted as an advantage of clozapine. Only 10% of those questioned were aware of the risks for the haemotopoetic system associated with the drug. Differences were found between patients' a nd relatives' assessments particularly with regard to the negative effects. Conclusions. Patients and relatives frequently hold specific and distinct v iews on clozapine treatment. These views should be considered when patients and relatives are informed and when compliance is addressed.