Outcome Measurement in Schizophrenia: Challenges and Barriers

Abstract

Outcome measures in schizophrenia have become a part of several clinical studies and clinical practice over the years. Currently it is understood as a construct which is more than just symptomatic remission and includes several domains of an individual’s life like psychosocial functioning, personal recovery, social reintegration, quality of life, satisfaction with treatment, cognitive impairment, treatment-related side effects, economic outcome, disability, and perceived stigma. These variables are not only patient related but also caregiver related. Many instruments/scales have been developed to measure these domains separately. It is essential to use a particular type of instrument in order to evaluate a specific outcome. However, there are several advantages, disadvantages, and limitations to all of these instruments. Hence, many a times it creates confusion while trying to know which type of instrument to use to evaluate a specific outcome measure. This chapter has been formulated in a way to educate the mental health professionals regarding currently available instruments to measure outcome and the several challenges/barriers faced during the assessment of the same.