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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

Published in:

01-04-2012 | Original Paper

Quality of life and illness beliefs in individuals with early psychosis

Authors: Kate Theodore, Sonia Johnson, Anna Chalmers-Brown, Rhianne Doherty, Chris Harrop, Lyn Ellett

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 4/2012

Abstract

Purpose

Quality of life (QoL) has become an important outcome measure in early psychosis. This study examined associations between illness beliefs (how individuals perceive their mental health problems), symptom factors and QoL in an early psychosis population.

Methods

Eighty-one individuals with early psychosis completed a battery of questionnaires measuring QoL, illness perceptions, psychotic and affective symptoms.

Results

QoL was significantly associated with certain illness beliefs, namely treatment control and consequences of psychosis. Lower levels of QoL were associated with higher depression, anxiety and general psychopathology. QoL was found to be predicted by key illness beliefs.

Conclusions

Causality has not been fully established, but these results suggest that beliefs about mental health problems may have a direct impact on outcome, and point towards possible targets for intervention, such as challenging illness-related appraisals. This is consistent with both general cognitive models of psychosis, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for this client group.

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Title: Quality of life and illness beliefs in individuals with early psychosis
Authors: Kate Theodore
Sonia Johnson
Anna Chalmers-Brown
Rhianne Doherty
Chris Harrop
Lyn Ellett
Publication date: 01-04-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-011-0360-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Quality of life and illness beliefs in individuals with early psychosis

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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