Systematic Literature Review of Studies Reporting Quality of Life or Functional Outcome Measures in People with Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Abstract: Aim Negative symptoms of schizophrenia (NSS) have been linked to poor quality of life (QoL) and impaired functional outcomes. A systematic literature review was performed to identify measures used to assess QoL and functional outcomes in studies conducted in people with NSS. Methods Search strategies were designed using high-level Medical Subject Headings supplemented with free-text terms, and searches were run in the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases in July 2021. Searches were limited to articles published in the previous 10 years and, for inclusion, studies were required to be published in English as full-text articles. Results Literature searches identified a total of 3,268 unique hits. After title and abstract screening by two independent reviewers, a total of 37 articles covering 34 unique studies were included. Fourteen different measures of functional outcomes and eleven different measures of QoL were identified. The measures most commonly used to assess functional outcomes were the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and the measures most commonly used to assess QoL were the Manchester Short Assessment of QoL, the Schizophrenia QoL Scale, the EQ-5D, and the Heinrichs Carpenter QoL Scale. Conclusions A large number of different instruments have been used to assess QoL and functional outcomes in people with NSS. Measures available to assess QoL and functional outcomes include both self-reported and interviewer-administered measures, as well as generic non-disease specific measures and measures specifically designed for use in the area of mental health.Short Description: Systematic literature review to identify functional outcome and quality of life measures used in observational studies and clinical trials conducted in people with negative symptoms of schizophreniaName of Sponsoring Organization(s): Otsuka Pharmaceutical