Subjective response to psychotropic drugs in psychiatric in-patients

The aim of the study was to examine subjective response to psychopharmacological treatment in psychiatric in-patients. 570 patients in two psychiatric state hospitals were surveyed using the German version of the drug attitude inventory (DAI-10). The response rate was 78 % (n=446). 63 % of patients attribute more positive characteristics to psychotropic drugs in general. 30 % of patients feel like in a daze and 46 % feel tired and sluggish. 35 % of patients do not take medication of their own choice and 70 % of patients report that they take medication only when they are sick. Significant predictors for positive experiences are the use of antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics, but there is no significant difference between atypical and conventional antipsychotics. As subjective response is predictive for treatment outcome, compliance, and quality of life, the patients' experiences of psychotropic drugs should be taken into consideration more.