Researchers of a study sought to examine the similarities and differences in treatment goals chosen by psychiatrists, adult patients with schizophrenia, as well as caregivers in a real-world setting in the United States. The Adelphi Schizophrenia Disease Specific Programme™ was used to gather data using a “point-in-time survey” conducted from June to October 2019 of psychiatrists and their consulting adult patients who have schizophrenia. Participants, who included psychiatrists, patients, and caregivers, filled out treatment goal questionnaires.

Data was provided by 124 psychiatrists on 1204 patients with schizophrenia. Of these patients, 1135 of them were on drug therapy. The questionnaires were filled out by 555 patients and 135 caregivers. Most patients (64%), caregivers (choosing for 68% of patients), and psychiatrists (choosing for 63% of patients) reported that a decrease in disease symptoms was the most crucial patient treatment goal. All 3 groups comparably selected the least important goals as fewer sexual issues and less weight gain. Patients reported that the medication they were currently taking aided in reaching their most essential goals—decrease in disease symptoms (68%) and thinking more clearly (39%). Researchers of the study concluded that these findings can possibly help in having discussions regarding efficient management strategies and shared decision-making between those with schizophrenia, their caregivers, and psychiatrists.

Reference: Fitzgerald HM, Shepherd J, Bailey H, Berry M, Wright J, Chen M. Treatment Goals in Schizophrenia: A Real-World Survey of Patients, Psychiatrists, and Caregivers in the United States, with an Analysis of Current Treatment (Long-Acting Injectable vs Oral Antipsychotics) and Goal Selection. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2021;17:3215-3228. doi:10.2147/NDT.S330936