Perceptions of Changes Reported by Family Caregivers of Schizophrenic Patients with Clinical Improvement From the Use of Clozapine: a Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction

There is no established a cause of schizophrenia;however it is believed there is involvement of genetic components, environmental and psychosocial factors. Clozapine is anatypical antipsychotic, effectivein improving negative symptoms, but with much side effects. Intervention should not be restricted to patients, but cover theircaregivers. Thus, improvement alsoaffects the lives of caregivers.

Objectives

To discussmeanings of experiences from patients'family caregivers after clinical improvement using clozapine.

Method

Qualitativestudy. Semi directed interviews with open-ended questions are made. Intentional sample closed by saturationof information. Participants were 13 family caregivers of patients takingclozapine. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and discussed fromMedical Psychology.

Results

We selected two emerging categories:(1) Therapeutic Projectvs Life Project: antagonismor synergy? Despiteperception of improvement, interviews do not see this issue as the main focus. They can mention differences in efficacy between drugs, but remain in idealization of healing; (2) Retakeof both old experiences of own temporality andlife planning: speeches indicate that effective rescue medication allowssome of these experiences because they perceive patients’ improvedquality of life, affection andpragmatism, thought and sensory perception.

Conclusions

Although there are significantchanges, the expectations of family caregivers are more comprehensive. The most successful treatmentwith clozapine was valued, even though desire for complete curecontinues explicit.