Are factors associated with subjective quality of life in people with severe mental illness consistent over time?--A 6-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cross-sectional relationship between subjective quality of life and sociodemographic clinical and social factors over three points of assessment during a 6-year follow-up, and to investigate longitudinal predictors of subjective quality of life.

METHOD

We investigated a sample of people with severe mental illness (n = 92), mainly with a psychosis diagnosis, at baseline and at an 18-month and 6-year follow-up. Measures included the Lancashire quality of life profile, Manchester short assessment of quality of life, Symptom Check List 90, Camberwell Assessment of Needs and the Interview Schedule for Social Interaction.

RESULTS

Cross-sectionally subjective quality of life was associated to self-reported symptoms, social network and unmet needs. However, these determinants varied in importance between points of assessment. Longitudinal predictors of subjective quality of life were changes in self-reported symptoms and social network.

CONCLUSION

There was a rather consistent set of determinants of subjective quality of life over time. Social network seems to be an important factor with relevance for improvements in subjective quality of life, however largely overlooked in earlier studies within the field.