Predictors of quality of life in people with severe mental illness

BACKGROUND: It is not clear which model of case management is most likely to improve quality of life in people with severe mental illness. AIMS: To use baseline data derived from the UK700 Case Management Trial to assess the relative importance of clinical, social and unmet needs variables as predictors of subjective quality of life in patients with severe mental illness. METHOD: Patients (n = 708) were assessed on quality of life (Lancashire Quality of Life Profile), needs (Camberwell Assessment of Need), psychopathology and social functioning. Variables that were amenable to change through case management were investigated as predictors of quality of life. RESULTS: Social variables accounted for 7% of the variance for subjective quality of life, compared with 19% for clinical variables, and 20% for unmet needs. The strongest predictors of subjective quality of life were unmet basic, social and functioning needs, depression and positive psychotic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Subjective quality of life in severely mentally ill patients is predicted by clinical variables and unmet needs. The results identify priority areas for the attention of case managers who seek to improve quality of life in these patients.