Objectives:
Research results indicate that possibility of building a therapeutic relationship in schizophrenia treatment facilitates better functioning, more effective reduction in psychotic symptoms and fulfillment of patients’ personal goals. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether patients systematically cooperating with psychiatrists are more scrupulous in complying with doctors’ orders and whether their social and clinical functioning is more effective, while compared to noncompliant patients.

Methods:
300 patients suffering from schizophrenia were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: experimental group including patients systematically cooperating with their doctors, and control group including non-cooperative patients. Data was collected during single interview with the use of the Questionnaire of Pharmacological Treatment Assessment, Life Satisfaction Scale, Emotions Control Scale, Life Orientation Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, The positive and negative syndrome scale for schizophrenia and Socio-demographic Questionnaire.

Results:
While compared to non-cooperative patients, patients systematically cooperating with their psychiatrists were more compliant with treatment, had wider knowledge about their treatment and were more satisfied with its effects. They also demonstrated better social functioning, more frequent professional activity and better assessment of their lives in terms of being in control, optimism and life satisfaction.

Conclusions:
Results indicate that systematic cooperation with a doctor facilitates better functioning of patients with schizophrenia.