OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of schizophrenic patients requires measurements that extend, beyond mere estimation of psychopathology symptoms, to assessment of quality of life levels. The relationship between psychopathology and HRQOL changes has not been extensively studied. The objective of this study is to assess correlations between psychopathology (Positive and Negative Symptom Scale, PANSS) and a disease-specific questionnaire, the Quality of Life Scale (QLS), in the evaluation of schizophrenia patients. METHODS: An open-label, 52-week follow-up study of 170 patients is being conducted in 8 Greek public psychiatric hospitals. Patients with mild to moderate schizophrenia (according to DSM-IV criteria) aged 18-65, hospitalized or outpatients, newly diagnosed or in acute exacerbation were enrolled. Psychopathology was assessed by PANSS general psychopathology, positive and negative symptom scores. HRQOL was assessed by QLS total and 4 subscale scores (interpersonal relationships, instrumental role, intrapsychic foundations and common objects and activities). Correlations analysis was used to identify the relationship between PANSS and QLS scores at baseline and at stabilization after 6-months treatment. Six month follow-up data are presented in this analysis. RESULTS: At baseline, a weak but statistically significant (p <0.001) association was found between the 4 QLS subscale scores and PANSS general and negative symptom scores. Correlation coefficients ranged from r = -0.18 (p <0.05) (QLS instrumental role vs. PANSS negative) to r = -0.46 (p <0.001) (QLS intrapsychic foundation vs. PANSS negative). At six months a stronger and statistically significant association was observed. Correlation coefficients ranged from r = - 0.32 (p <0.001) (QLS total score vs. PANSS general) to r = - 0.56 (p <0.001) (QLS intrapsychic foundation vs. PANSS negative). CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals a statistically significant correlation between PANSS and QLS at baseline scores, which is improved over the 6-months follow-up period. HRQL measures and psychopathology seem to change synchronically; the correlation is enhanced as the control of schizophrenia symptoms is improved.