The Impact of Second-Generation Antipsychotic Side-Effects on Functioning From a Schizophrenia Patient Perspective: A Global Patient Centered Survey

Background: The impact of side effects (SEs) of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) on patients’ physical and emotional functioning and overall quality of life (QoL) is insufficiently documented.

Methods: A cross-sectional, patient web survey was conducted in the USA (N=180), Canada (N=99), Australia (N=28), and Europe (N=128) in 2017–2018. The survey included the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF), and the Glasgow Antipsychotic Side-Effect Scale (GASS). Questions about functional and emotional impacts were included. Patients noted on a 0-100 visual analog scale (VAS) the degree of impact on functioning.

Results: Patients (≥18 years) with schizophrenia, stable for ≥1 month, taking an SGA for 1–12 months, and self-reporting ≥1 SE were included (N=435). The most prevalent SEs reported on the GASS were ‘difficulty sleeping’, ‘feeling sleepy during the day’ and ‘drugged like a zombie’. SEs perceived as bothersome impacted patient functioning and emotions. These SEs had at least a moderate-to-severe impact (VAS score ≥50) on all aspects of functioning (physical, psychological, social, and vocational). Activating (feeling restless/unable to sit still,’ ‘shaky hands or arms,’ and ‘difficulty sleeping’), sedating (feeling sleepy during the day’ and ‘Feeling drugged/like a zombie’), and other (‘weight gain,’ ‘problems enjoying sex’) SEs showed a weak-moderate inverse correlation with QoL. The most common emotions reported by patients experiencing bothersome SEs were feeling frustrated, ashamed/embarrassed, and impatient/irritated/angry.

Discussion: Stable patients with schizophrenia taking SGAs still have many SEs, including activating, sedating, sexual SEs, and weight gain. These SEs have considerable negative impact on patient’s functioning.

This poster was presented at the 32nd annual Psych Congress, held Oct. 3-6, 2019, in San Diego, California.