Quality of life of schizophrenic patients treated with haloperidol depot and injection preparation of long-lasting risperidone.

INTRODUCTION In the last decades psychiatric patients' quality of life attracts great attention of researchers. Improving the quality of life of schizophrenic patients is increasingly becoming an imperative in pharmacological therapy. OBJECTIVE Analysis of certain aspects of quality of life in patients with schizophrenia treated with depot formulations of a typical antipsychotic (haloperidol) and injection preparation of a long-acting atypical antipsychotic (risperidone). METHODS Research was conducted as a cross-sectional study that included 60 patients of both genders. Examinees diagnosed with schizophrenia (ICD-10, F20.0-F20.9) were divided into two groups: the group of patients that received haloperidol depot (n = 30) and the group of patients that received injection preparation of long-acting risperidone (n = 30). In order to assess the quality of life, social functioning scale (SFS), satisfaction with life scale (SWLS), and short version of World Health Organization quality of life scale (WHO-QoL-Brief) were applied. RESULTS Results showed statistically significant differences when it comes to social activity and satisfaction with life in favour of patients treated with injection preparation of long-acting risperidone. Examinees from this group were much more satisfied with themselves, their health and sleep compared to those on haloperidol depot. There was no statistically significant difference found on the quality of life scale. CONCLUSIONS Applying the scales for the assessment of the quality of life of schizophrenic patients in terms of psychosocial functioning, statistically significant difference between groups was found. Results showed higher scores in the group of patients treated with injection preparation of long-acting risperidone concerning social activities and life satisfaction.