Comprehensive Psychiatry
Volume 47, Issue 4 , Pages 265-269, July 2006

Insight into psychosis and quality of life

  • Ilanit Hasson-Ohayon

      Affiliations

    • Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, 52900 Ramat-Gan, Israel
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +972 3 5317942; fax: +972 3 5350206.
    • ,
  • Shlomo Kravetz

      Affiliations

    • Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, 52900 Ramat-Gan, Israel
    • ,
  • David Roe

      Affiliations

    • Rutgers University Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
    • ,
  • Anthony S. David

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Psychiatry, Denmark Hill, PO Box 68, SE5 8AF, London, UK
    • ,
  • Mark Weiser

      Affiliations

    • Department of Psychiatry, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel
    • Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Ramat Aviv, Israel

published online 21 April 2006.

Abstract 

Background

Insight into having a psychotic disorder is often considered to be a positive characteristic that improves quality of life. However, the evidence regarding this controversy is mixed. The present study examined the relation between insight and quality of life.

Method

One hundred thirty-one participants with a psychotic disorder (103 with schizophrenia, 28 with schizoaffective disorder) underwent an assessment of insight, psychotic symptoms, and quality of life. The relation between insight and quality of life was assessed using regression analyses.

Results

Contrary to our hypothesis, better insight into having a psychotic disorder was related to reduced emotional well-being (β = .23, P < .01), lower vocational status (β = .31, P < .01), and less economic satisfaction (β = .27, P < .01). Insight into the need for taking medication was positively correlated with higher emotional well-being (β = −.18, P < .05). No relation was found between insight and psychotic symptoms.

Discussion

In light of our findings, the potential importance of combining insight with mechanisms for coping is discussed.

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0010-440X(05)00105-7

doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2005.08.006

Comprehensive Psychiatry
Volume 47, Issue 4 , Pages 265-269, July 2006

Article Tools