Financial dissatisfaction in people with psychotic disorders: a report on its prevalence and correlates in a large naturalistic psychosis cohort

Background. Psychotic disorders have a strong negative impact on multiple aspects of daily life, including people’s financial situation. This exploratory study examines the level of financial dissatisfaction and its correlates in a large cohort of people with psychotic disorders. Methods. Data from the first assessments of people with psychotic disorders (n = 5271) who were included in the Pharmacotherapy Monitoring and Outcome Survey (PHAMOUS; 2006-2020), which is conducted in the northern Netherlands, were used. The Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA) was used to measure financial dissatisfaction. In addition, sociodemographic and psychiatric characteristics, substance use and global and social functioning were assessed. Results. One-fifth to one-third of people with psychotic disorders report financial dissatisfaction, fluctuating over the year in which they were assessed. These proportions are three to four times higher than in the general Dutch population. Cannabis and other substance use were associated with higher levels of financial dissatisfaction (small to medium effect). Financial dissatisfaction appears to be relatively independent of sociodemographic and psychiatric characteristics, and global and social functioning in people with psychotic disorders. Discussion. These findings are an important first step for increasing knowledge on financial dissatisfaction among people with psychotic disorders. The findings can also contribute to raising awareness about the topic for healthcare professionals working in this field, as financial dissatisfaction seems a crucial stressor to consider in clinical practice.