Treatment Goals in Schizophrenia: A Real-World Survey of Patients, Psychiatrists, and Caregivers in the United States, with an Analysis of Current Treatment (Long-Acting Injectable vs Oral Antipsychotics) and Goal Selection

PURPOSE: To understand similarities and differences in patient treatment goals as selected by US psychiatrists, adult patients with schizophrenia, and their caregivers in a real-world setting in the United States, including stratification by current medication and age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were drawn from the Adelphi Schizophrenia Disease Specific Programme™, a point-in-time survey of psychiatrists and their consulting adult patients with schizophrenia, conducted from June to October 2019. Psychiatrists completed record forms for their next 8 consecutive outpatients and (where possible) 2 inpatients matching inclusion criteria. Participating psychiatrists, patients, and caregivers completed treatment goal questionnaires as part of the survey. RESULTS: Psychiatrists (n = 124) provided data on 1204 patients with schizophrenia, including 1135 on drug treatment (207 inpatients [18%] and 928 outpatients [82%]); questionnaires were completed by 555 patients and 135 caregivers. Decrease in disease symptoms was identified as the most important patient treatment goal by patients (64%), psychiatrists (selecting for 63% of patients), and caregivers (selecting for 68% of patients). Patients, psychiatrists, and caregivers similarly rated the least important goals (less sexual problems and less weight gain). Patients indicated their current medication helped to reach their most important goals: decrease in disease symptoms (68%) and thinking more clearly (39%). Findings based on analysis of treatment goals by treatment and age were similar to overall trends. CONCLUSION: These findings, including identification of a primary consensus goal of decrease in disease symptoms, may help with discussions between patients with schizophrenia, psychiatrists, and caregivers to inform effective management strategies and encourage shared decision-making.