66% of patients with schizophrenia have extreme trust in their psychiatrists: New survey

According to a new survey sponsored by Janssen,® Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, 80 percent of patients with schizophrenia, a chronic, severe and disabling brain disorder, say their psychiatrists do well or very well in treating them with courtesy and respect.  This positive relationship is particularly important in treating schizophrenia as patients and psychiatrists must work closely together to determine appropriate treatment plans that will help patients manage their symptoms and reduce their risk of relapse.  Schizophrenia affects about 1 percent of the U.S. adult population and approximately 24 million people globally.  Schizophrenia can have devastating effects throughout a person's life.

The survey revealed that 66 percent of patients with schizophrenia have extreme trust or very much trust in their psychiatrists.  Additional survey findings include:

• 78 percent of patients with schizophrenia say their psychiatrists provide explanations in a way they can easily understand.
• 66 percent of patients feel their psychiatrists are concerned for their emotional needs.
• Additionally, more than half of patients and caregivers, or 54 percent, are very comfortable discussing medication options with psychiatrists.

Schizophrenia is a lifelong disease with no cure, so it is imperative that patients and caregivers are informed about the medication options available and are active participants with their psychiatrist in determining the right treatment options for them or their loved one.  

"We are encouraged by these survey results as they indicate positive signs for the critically important relationship between psychiatrists, their patients and caregivers," said Larry Alphs, M.D., Therapeutic Area Leader Psychiatry, Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, L.L.C.  Dr. Alphs also is a consulting psychiatrist.  "In order to successfully treat and manage schizophrenia there needs to be a collaborative and supportive team approach among patients, caregivers and psychiatrists."

Bill MacPhee, 47, knows first-hand the importance of having a good relationship with a psychiatrist and working closely with him or her to determine the appropriate treatment approach.  MacPhee was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 24 and worked with his physician, with the support of his family, for more than five years to find the proper medication to stabilize his symptoms.  After getting his symptoms under control, MacPhee went on to launch SZ Magazine, a quarterly magazine designed to bring hope and information to people living with schizophrenia.  

"My relationship with my psychiatrist has been, and continues to be, extremely important in my treatment and recovery," said MacPhee.  "Without the help of proper medication, therapy and the support of my psychiatrist, friends and family I would not be where I am today."  

Bill MacPhee has been a paid consultant and speaker for Janssen, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The survey of 250 patients with schizophrenia, 250 caregivers, including friends and family, and 400 psychiatrists had four objectives:

• Assess caregiver, patient and healthcare professional views on treatment and awareness of available treatment options for schizophrenia,
• Determine the challenges that lead to an exacerbation of symptoms and how this impacts caregiver-patient-healthcare professional relationship
• Identify the level of caregiver, patient and healthcare professional satisfaction with patient support systems
• Understand the impact of schizophrenia and episodic events in achieving patient goals

Additional information about this survey is available upon request and will be made available publicly by Janssen in the future.