Severity of disability in persons with schizophrenia and its sociodemographic and illness correlates

Abstract

Background: Disability is a major public health issue across a person's lifespan. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that causes considerable disability in a person's functioning. It has major setback on the person's life which drastically affects various areas of life. The current study aimed to investigate the severity of disability in persons with schizophrenia and to see its relationship with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Materials and Methods: Sixty persons who met the criteria for schizophrenia as per the International Classification of Diseases-10 were recruited from Psychiatry Outpatient Department, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The sample was assessed using the sociodemographic data sheet, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and World Health Organization-Disability Assessment Schedule-II. Results: The overall disability level seemed to be moderate, but severe disability was noted in the areas of social participation and interpersonal relationship. Conclusion: Primarily, the study would help to bring about better comprehensive treatment, including rehabilitative plans to reduce the burden of disability while improving the functioning level of the persons with schizophrenia.