Association of Depression and Anxiety Among Caregivers of Schizophrenic Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Eastern Odisha: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is characterized by disordered thoughts or experiences, with disorganized speech or behavior and decreased involvement in daily activities. Primary caregivers of Schizophrenic patients encounter extensive challenges that create psychological and financial stress and can deteriorate the family functioning. The study aims to explore the magnitude of the association between depression and anxiety among caregivers of schizophrenic patients.

Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed among 80 primary caregivers of Schizophrenic patients attending the tertiary care teaching hospital of Eastern Odisha. Participants (n = 80) were approached in in-patient and out-patient units. Out of 80 study participants, 40 were male and 40 were female, respectively. Both groups were screened for depression and anxiety using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Diagnosis of Depression and Anxiety Disorders was made according to DSM-5 criteria.

Results: Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS 2 version. Significant differences were found in the subscales of HAM-D and HAM-A using the student’s t’ t-test, and a significant relationship was found between the two subscales by Pearson’s correlation analysis. The proportion of depression in females (19.95%) is higher than in males (17.15), and anxiety levels are also higher in females (17.45) as compared to males (13.03). There is also a significant positive relationship between depression and anxiety among the male and female caregivers of schizophrenic patients (r=0.497, P<0.001). Thus, it was found that female caregivers were affected more than males.

Conclusion: Caregivers of patients with severe mental diseases such as Schizophrenia experience high levels of depression and anxiety. Appropriate psychological intervention in the form of attending seminars, workshops, and counseling should be targeted to improve the psychological well-being of caregivers, and a need for extensive study to tailor the modalities of various types of intervention.