Patient outcomes in schizophrenia I: correlates with sociodemographic variables, psychopathology, and side effects.

Objective: The present cross-sectional study examined the relationships of psychopathology, side effects, and sociodemographic factors with treatment outcomes in terms of patients' quality of life (QOL), functioning, and needs for care.

Method: Sixty outpatients with chronic schizophrenia who had been treated with either clozapine or olanzapine for at least 6 months were investigated.

Results: Most psychopathological symptoms as well as psychic side effects, weight gain, and female sex were associated with lower QOL, while cognitive symptoms correlated with better QOL.