Telangana Journal of Psychiatry

PODURI CHINNA REDDY VENKATA RAMAMMA AWARD: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF STIGMA AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

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Article Type : Null

Author Details: Shanthi Chilasagaram, Siva Kumar Ch, Nikhil Ravindranath T, Manoj Kumar P.

Volume : 1

Issue : 1

Online ISSN : 2455-8559

Print ISSN :

Article First Page : 15

Article End Page : 20

Abstract

Despite the scientific advances stigma still continues to be an important barrier in the management of mental illness (MI). In this study we assessed the stigma and quality of life in patients with MI.
Method: 30patients with mental illness were assessed on DISC- 12 and WHOQOL-BREF.
Results: Environment domain of QOL showed significant negative correlation with subscale-1, i.e. "unfair treatment of DISC (p value 0.046). Delay in psychiatric management, showed significant positive correlation with subscale-2, i.e. “stopped patients from doing things” of DISC (p value 0.000), (p value 0.03).
Conclusion: Stigma affects several aspects of patient’s life and has far reaching implications. There is unnecessary delay in seeking psychiatric treatment and poor QOL. Various domains like marriage, family life, social and interpersonal relations, work and productivity, are badly affected.
Recommendations: Public education programs to increase awareness and knowledge of the nature of mental illness and treatment options were recommended. Reducing stigma will go a long way in the appropriate management of mental illness.

Keywords: Stigma; Quality of life, Mental Illness.

Doi No:-10.18231