Pattern of burden on the family of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The concept of burden of care came from the realm of behavioral sciences primarily in the context of looking after a psychiatrically ill person. Caregivers of schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) have to take over the totality of patient care since most of these patients are treated at home. As a result of this, they are exposed to negative consequences of caregiving. AIM: This study aims to assess and compare the pattern of burden among the families having patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on the outpatient department level at Ranchi Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Allied Science. This study included 30 patients with schizophrenia and equal number of age- and sex-matched patients with bipolar disorder. The diagnosis was made as per criteria of International Classification of Diseases 10 diagnostic criteria for research. Their caregivers who gave consent for their participation in the study and satisfy the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study by purposive sampling. Tools administered were socio-demographic datasheet and family burden inventory schedule. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Total caregiver burden, financial burden, disruption of routine family activities, family leisure, family interaction, and subjective burden felt by caregiver were significantly more in caregivers of schizophrenia patients compared to caregivers of BPAD. There was no significant difference in the two areas of burden, i.e., effect on physical health of the caregivers and effect on mental health of caregivers. CONCLUSION: Caregivers of schizophrenia patients have significantly higher family burden as compared to caregivers of subjects with BPAD.

Psychological consequences of lockdown on dental professionals during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes COVID-19, mainly spreads through respiratory droplets. The dental profession is particularly at risk. Routine dental care was suspended after the announcement of the first lockdown in India. This makes the group vulnerable to psychosocial consequences. The present study aims to evaluate the psychosocial issues among dental professionals during COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 627 dental professionals of India, using online Google Forms from April 23, 2020, through April 30, 2020. Participants were evaluated using self-constructed and self-administered personal and professional hardship and fear checklist specifically developed for this study. The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) Depression Scale and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and PHQ-15 were used to assess the depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. RESULTS: Fear had a remarkable impact on 80.7% of responders. Among the participants, 40.5%, 24.5%, and 30.6% reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms, respectively. Somatic symptoms were significantly associated with gender (P = 0.000). Work setting was significantly associated with depression (P = 0.011) and anxiety symptoms (P = 0.001). Concern, worry, and fear due to COVID-19 were significantly associated with depression (P = 0.000), anxiety (P = 0.033), and somatic symptoms (P = 0.009). There was a positive correlation between depression and anxiety symptoms (P = 0.01) and between age and somatic symptoms (P = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: This group reported a high level of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Female dental professionals and private practitioners had more depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Immediate and special intervention is needed for this group. Further exploration into the nature and its effects of the psychological symptoms may be required.

Severity of violence and quality of life of women with psychiatric disorders as compared to normal controls.

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that violence against women is a significant public health problem, there is a paucity of research into this area, and little is known about the extent to which women with psychiatric disorders are affected. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess and compare the severity of violence and quality of life of women with psychiatric disorders and normal controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on purposive sampling technique, a sample consisting of 120 participants was selected from in-patient (female section) and outpatient services of the Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences and Kanke Area. Both groups were matched on sociodemographic details. Normal controls were screened using General Health Questionnaire-12. The severity of violence against women scale and the revised Conflict Tactics Scale were used to assess the severity of violence, and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF scale was used for the assessment of the quality of life. Scales were scored as per their test manuals. Results were tabulated and compared using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: Women with psychiatric illness as well as normal controls faced various forms of symbolic violence equally. Women with psychiatric disorders faced significantly higher severity of physical assault, sexual coercion, and injury as compared to normal controls. Women with psychiatric disorders had significantly lower scores on WHOQOL BREF compared to normal participants. CONCLUSION: Women with psychiatric disorders suffered significantly higher severity of both physical and sexual violence and had significantly worse quality of life compared to normal controls.