Standard quality-of-life measures miss important aspects of life for people with schizophrenia and cannabis use
In 103 patients with schizophrenia and cannabis abuse, the generic EQ-5D quality measure only moderately correlated with psychiatric-specific quality measures, missing important domains like relationships and finances.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Researchers tested whether the EQ-5D (a widely used generic health measure recommended for economic evaluations) adequately captured quality of life in patients with schizophrenia and cannabis abuse.
The EQ-5D showed only moderate correlation with the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA), a psychiatric-specific measure (rho = 0.358). Three of the five EQ-5D dimensions (Mobility, Self-Care, and Pain/Discomfort) were not sensitive in this population.
Only the "Usual Activities" and "Anxiety/Depression" dimensions showed moderate correlation with MANSA. Both measures correlated moderately with clinical scales (PANSS, GAF, WHO-DAS).
The authors recommended using EQ-5D alongside psychiatric-specific quality of life measures, as mental health interventions often target domains (relationships, finances, employment, housing) that EQ-5D does not capture.
Key Numbers
103 patients with schizophrenia and cannabis abuse. EQ-5D vs MANSA correlation: rho = 0.358. Mobility, Self-Care, and Pain/Discomfort dimensions were insensitive. Both measures correlated moderately with PANSS, GAF, and WHO-DAS.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional analysis of 103 patients with schizophrenia and cannabis abuse from a randomized controlled trial. Correlation analysis between EQ-5D and MANSA using Spearman's coefficient, with additional correlations to PANSS, GAF, and WHO-DAS.
Why This Research Matters
Health economic evaluations using only generic measures could undervalue mental health interventions, particularly those addressing social functioning, relationships, and community integration in patients with dual diagnoses.
The Bigger Picture
This methodological study highlighted a broader concern about how health economic evaluations assess value in mental health care, where treatment goals often extend beyond symptom reduction.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Relatively small sample (103 patients). Specific to schizophrenia with cannabis comorbidity. Correlation analysis cannot establish which measure better captures true quality of life changes.
Questions This Raises
- ?Should health economic guidelines recommend condition-specific quality measures alongside EQ-5D for mental health evaluations?
- ?How should economic evaluations capture improvements in relationships and social integration?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Only moderate correlation (0.358) between generic and psychiatric quality measures
- Evidence Grade:
- Psychometric validation study with relevant clinical sample but relatively small size.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2011. Debate about appropriate quality-of-life measures in mental health continues.
- Original Title:
- Does the EQ-5D measure quality of life in schizophrenia?
- Published In:
- The journal of mental health policy and economics, 14(4), 187-96 (2011)
- Authors:
- Halling Hastrup, Lene, Nordentoft, Merete(11), Hjorthøj, Carsten(11), Gyrd-Hansen, Dorte
- Database ID:
- RTHC-00488
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this matter for patients?
If standard health measures miss what matters to people with schizophrenia (relationships, housing, employment), treatments that improve these areas may be undervalued by health economists, potentially affecting funding and access.
What did the EQ-5D miss?
The EQ-5D focuses on mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain, and anxiety/depression. It missed quality-of-life domains important to this population: relationship quality, financial situation, employment, and accommodation.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-00488APA
Halling Hastrup, Lene; Nordentoft, Merete; Hjorthøj, Carsten; Gyrd-Hansen, Dorte. (2011). Does the EQ-5D measure quality of life in schizophrenia?. The journal of mental health policy and economics, 14(4), 187-96.
MLA
Halling Hastrup, Lene, et al. "Does the EQ-5D measure quality of life in schizophrenia?." The journal of mental health policy and economics, 2011.
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Does the EQ-5D measure quality of life in schizophrenia?" RTHC-00488. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/halling-2011-does-the-eq5d-measure
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.