We have investigated the determinants of global subjective quality of life (GSQOL) using data from a controlled trial of intensive case management for the severely mentally ill. In a multiple regression analysis depression, age, objective quality of life and domain-specific quality of life together explained 59% of the variance in GSQOL. GSQOL was not significantly correlated with measures of positive psychotic symptomatology, insight or attitudes to treatment but was correlated with satisfaction with care (r= .21, p = .011 ). Change in GSQOL over 18 months was correlated with change in domain-specific quality of life (r=-.45, p=.002) and depression (r=-.43, p=.01): multiple regression analysis confirmed that both variables had an independent effect on change in GSQOL.
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