Insight into psychosis and quality of life

Background: Insight into having a psychotic disorder is often considered to be a positive characteristic that improves quality of life. However, the evidence regarding this controversy is mixed. The present study examined the relation between insight and quality of life. Method: One hundred thirty-one participants with a psychotic disorder (103 with schizophrenia, 28 with schizoaffective disorder) underwent an assessment of insight, psychotic symptoms, and quality of life. The relation between insight and quality of life was assessed using regression analyses. Results: Contrary to our hypothesis, better insight into having a psychotic disorder was related to reduced emotional well-being (β = .23, P < .01), lower vocational status (β = .31, P < .01), and less economic satisfaction (β = .27, P < .01). Insight into the need for taking medication was positively correlated with higher emotional well-being (β = -.18, P < .05). No relation was found between insight and psychotic symptoms. Discussion: In light of our findings, the potential importance of combining insight with mechanisms for coping is discussed.