End-of-Life (Care) Perspectives and Expectations of Patients With Schizophrenia

Background: Schizophrenia is a disabling and life-shortening psychiatric disorder due to disease, medication, and lifestyle-related factors. It is therefore not unreasonable to assume that existential themes are important for these patients. Methods: Transcripts of 20 patients were coded and analyzed thematically, using a modified grounded theory approach in the exploration of perspectives and expectations of end-of-life (care). Results: No fear of death, skilled companionship and preserving quality of life were major themes in the interviews. Conclusion: This study showed that patients, despite emotional flattening and cognitive deficits, find the possibility to discuss end-of-life topics reassuring and some even therapeutic.