Quality of life - As defined by schizophrenic patients and psychiatrists

The aim of the study is to explore what schizophrenic patients understand b y quality of life and what psychiatrists think quality of life may be like for schizophrenic patients. A survey was carried out among schizophrenic pa tients and psychiatrists from the whole of Germany. There are similarities and differences between: the two: while both schizophrenic patients and psy chiatrists recognised the importance of work, social relationships, family and independence for quality of life, patients thought about it more in ter ms of standard of living and lifestyle, whereas the psychiatrists' concept of quality of life was more illness-oriented encompassing the absence of ha ndicaps and disabilities due to the illness and emphasising the importance of appropriate professional help and self-help. In order to Facilitate the dialogue between: psychiatrists and patients it is important to be aware of these differences.