New Survey Reveals Positive and Respectful Relationship Among Psychiatrists, Patients With Schizophrenia and Their Caregivers

TITUSVILLE, N.J., May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

About Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe and disabling brain disorder that affects about 1 percent of the U.S. adult population and approximately 24 million people globally.  While the cause is unknown, studies have suggested that there are differences in the brains of patients with schizophrenia.  Researchers have identified various risk factors for schizophrenia, including heredity, brain damage and environmental factors such as social stress, isolation and drug use.  The disease typically manifests as abnormal psychological functioning and disturbed behavior.  There are currently no physical or lab tests that diagnose the disease; therefore, schizophrenia is diagnosed by the presence of symptom types.

About the Survey

The quantitative double-blind online survey was conducted by Richard Day Research (RDR) on behalf of Janssen from Dec. 30, 2009 to April 25, 2010. The three groups surveyed include 250 patients, ages 18 to 65, diagnosed with schizophrenia and currently receiving treatment from a healthcare professional for this condition; 250 unpaid caregivers of patients with schizophrenia who are currently receiving treatment from a healthcare professional for this condition; and 400 psychiatrists who are responsible for making decisions about medication for at least one adult patient living with schizophrenia. Patients, caregivers and psychiatrists were independently selected to participate in this survey.

Data for the survey of patients and caregivers were collected by Harris Interactive Service Bureau (HISB) on behalf of RDR and Janssen. RDR was responsible for data collection among psychiatrists, survey design, data analysis and reporting. The survey was designed to uncover perspectives from patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals regarding the impact and treatment of schizophrenia. With pure probability samples of these sizes, one could say with a 90 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of + / - 4.1 percent, 5.2 percent and 5.2 percent respectively. Margin of error will be larger for subgroups of the sample.

About Janssen®

Janssen®, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, is based in Titusville, N.J., and is the only large pharmaceutical company in the U.S. dedicated solely to mental health. It currently markets prescription medications for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and the treatment of symptoms associated with autistic disorders. Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, is a member of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies. For more information about Janssen, visit http://www.janssen.com.

SOURCE Janssen, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.