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Disability in schizophrenia and mood disorders in a developing country
1Science University of Malaysia (USM), Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|January 10, 1998
Summary
Psychiatric disabilities in chronic schizophrenia and chronic mood disorders show similar prevalence and severity. This suggests potential challenges in managing these conditions, even in developing countries.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Global Health
Background:
- Chronic schizophrenia and chronic mood disorders represent significant global health challenges.
- Understanding the comparative disability burden is crucial for effective treatment and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence and severity of psychiatric disabilities between patients with chronic schizophrenia and chronic mood disorders.
- To assess the functional impact of these chronic mental health conditions.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 128 patients (80 with chronic schizophrenia, 48 with chronic mood disorders) was assessed.
- The World Health Organization Psychiatric Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO/DAS) was utilized for evaluation.
- Diagnoses were confirmed using DSM-III-R criteria.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in the prevalence or severity of disabilities between the two patient groups.
- Dysfunctional behavior and significant disabilities were reported in two-thirds of schizophrenia patients and over half of mood disorder patients.
- Disability prevalence in Malaysian patients mirrored that in developed countries.
Conclusions:
- Chronic schizophrenia and chronic mood disorders impose a comparable disability burden.
- The findings suggest that prognosis for these conditions in developing countries may be less favorable than anticipated.
- Further research is needed to explore factors influencing disability in diverse global settings.