Title: A Study of Assessment on Psychological Well-being among Spouses of Bipolar Disorder Patients

Authors: Dr Sathish Sankar PR, Dr Gandhi Babu R, Dr Aravindh M

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v9i12.05

Abstract

Background: Bipolar affective disorder [BPAD] is characterised by recurrent episodes of hypomania, mania, euthymia and depression or a mixed state. This disabling illness causes significant degree of burden on the caregivers which further affect their psychological wellbeing. The aim of this descriptive study is to assess the psychological wellbeing among spouses of patients with bipolar affective disorder in a Psychiatry Outpatient Department at Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Chidambaram.

Results: Male spouses have significantly higher scores in psychological well-being. The mean PGWBI among the male study participants was 70.43 ± 11.32 and the mean PGWBI among female was 60.26 ± 15.08. The mean PGWBI among male participants was more than that of the female participants and the difference was statistically significant (P value < 0.05). There was statistically significant different in mean PGWBI values among various duration of illness categories (P value < 0.05). The highest was in the more than 20 years category (76.50 ± 8.10) followed by less than or equal to 5 years category (72.11 ± 11.34).

Conclusion: Spouses in this study experienced significant burden and distress both subjectively and objectively. Female spouses experience significant caregiver burden compared to their male spouses.

Keywords: Bipolar disorder, spouses, psychological wellbeing.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Sathish Sankar PR

Postgraduate, Department of Psychiatry, Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu