Quality of life and standard of living in a randomly selected group of psychiatrically disabled people in Sweden 2 years after a psychiatry reform

Abstract

In Sweden, a psychiatry reform, aimed at improving the living conditions of the psychiatrically disabled, came into force in 1995. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the reform by investigating quality of life and standard of living 2 years later in a randomly selected group of people with longstanding psychiatric disability. Self-ratings and interviews were conducted in a study group and a control group. The study group consisted of 19 women and 18 men (mean age 46.1 years) diagnosed with neurosis, schizophrenia or affective disorder. The control group consisted of 19 women and 17 men (mean age 48.7 years). Self-rated quality of life was significantly poorer in the study group (P < 0.0001, unpaired t-test), and so was housing (P < 0.001, test of similar proportions in independent samples). We found no significant positive correlation between subjective quality of life and standard of living in either group but a significant negative correlation in the control group (P < 0.05; r = 0.40, Pearson correlation coefficient). The results suggest that, in 1997, people with longstanding psychiatric disability still had poorer quality of life than the general population. This may be due to factors other than outward standard of living.

Schizophrenia housing and supportive relationships

“…Their social network were better, irrespective of whether they lived alone, with family, or with friends . Carlsson et al (2002) in a study that evaluated reform to psychiatric services in Sweden drew similar conclusions as did Shu et al (2001) in a longitudinal study in Taiwan.…”

“…1999). Carlsson et al . (2002) in a study that evaluated reform to psychiatric services in Sweden drew similar conclusions as did Shu et al .…”

“…1999; Seilheimer & Doyal 1996). There is evidence that, like other consumers (and the rest of the community), people with schizophrenia have a better quality of life and maintain better mental health if they live in decent housing (Carlsson et al . 2002; Kirkpatrick et al .…”

“…Studies into people with schizophrenia's preferences indicate that most desire independent housing in the community Seilheimer & Doyal 1996). There is evidence that, like other consumers (and the rest of the community), people with schizophrenia have a better quality of life and maintain better mental health if they live in decent housing (Carlsson et al 2002;Kirkpatrick et al 1996;Shu et al 2001). The literature varies on its definition of quality accommodation but the overall message is clear -that the quality of accommodation contributes positively to a person with schizophrenia's mental health.…”

Training in Mental Health Recovery and Social Justice in the Public Sector

“…Davidson and colleagues (2009) advocated that recovery orientations can benefit greatly from increased scientific inquiry, and that services and supports should be evaluated based on how well they promote recovery, rather than only whether a given intervention is effective (which is historically how evidence-based practice has been measured). It is important to note that there is empirical evidence for the value of many interventions and practices that are consistent with or have come out of recovery orientations, including the following: linking individuals to housing supports, which is related to better mental health and quality of life (Carlsson, Frederiksen, & Gottfries, 2002;Kirkpatrick, Younger, Links, & Saunders, 1996;Shu, Lung, Lu, Chase, & Pan, 2001); developing valued social roles, such as employment, which is related to increased social functioning, symptom levels, quality of life, and self-esteem (Marwaha & Johnson, 2004); empowerment-based and personal goal recovery groups such as Illness Management and Recovery, which have been shown to increase knowledge of illness and personal goal attainment (Hasson-Ohayon, Roe, & Kravetz, 2007); supportive social relationships (Kaiser, 2000); peer-led groups such as Wellness Recovery Action Planning, which promotes self-management, self-determination, and recovery (Cook et al, 2009); cognitive-behavioral therapy for psychosis, which is related to large clinical effects on experience of symptoms (Rector & Beck, 2001); and peer supports, which the evidence suggests may improve symptoms, promote larger social networks, and enhance quality of life (Davidson et al, 1999).…”