Abstract

Introduction: Observational studies for the effectiveness of treating mental disorders are insufficient in Bulgaria. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of treating schizophrenia and affective disorders. 

Materials and Methods: 117 patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders and 117 of their relatives are recruited upon hospital admission and followed‐up 12 months later. The effectiveness of treatment in terms of psychopathology, functioning, quality of life and burden of care is evaluated. 

Results: 90% of the included patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders are followed up 12 months after the initial short‐term hospital admission (length of hospital stay was 25 and 23 days respectively). Three patients have deceased during the follow up. Treatment for the rest is effective and results in improvement in psychopathology, functioning, quality of life and burden of care. The effectiveness ranges from 69% to 92% depending on the chosen outcome measure. 

Conclusion: Treatment of schizophrenia and affective disorders in Bulgaria is effective based on a wide range of outcome measures. The outcome measure and the threshold values selection may influence the analysis of effectiveness. 

Key words: schizophrenia, affective disorders, effectiveness, hospitalization, follow‐up, observational study