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."