Attitudes of patients with schizophrenia and depression to psychiatric research: a study in seven European countries
Abstrakt
Few studies have examined how patients with schizophrenia and depression view psychiatric research and what influences their readiness to participate. A total of 763 patients (48% schizophrenia, 52% depression) from 7 European countries were examined using a self-report questionnaire ["Hamburg Attitudes to Psychiatric Research Questionnaire"].
Most patients (98%) approved of psychiatric research. There was a tendency to approve psychosocial rather than biological research topics (e.g. research on the role of the family by 91% of patients compared to 79% in genetics).
Reasons to participate were mainly altruistic. Only a minority (28%) considered monetary incentives important.
Patients wanted extensive background information and a feedback of the results. While patients expressed discerning views of psychiatric research, only few differences were apparent between the two diagnostic groups.
Patients'' research priorities are not the same as those of professionals and funding bodies.