Psychosocial Problems Experienced by the Spouses of Patients with Psychiatric Disorders

Psychiatric disorders constitute a wide spectrum ranging from sub-clinical states to very severe forms of disorders. Most patients have families that are providing care and support. The impact of caregiving shows that one third to one half of carers suffers significant psychological distress which leads to negative effects on the quality of life of caregivers and quality of care delivered to their patients.

To assess the psychosocial problems experienced by the spouses of patients with psychiatric disorders

Descriptive design was used for the study. The data was collected from 70 spouses of patients with psychiatric disorders selected through purposive sampling using a rating scale on psychosocial problems.

Majority of spouses experienced moderate psychosocial problems. The mean percentage score in social domain was higher than that of psychological domain. The highest mean percentage was found in financial category of social domain and lowest mean percentage was found in the religious category of social domain. There was a significant association between psychosocial problems experienced by spouses and the education level of spouses.

Majority of the spouses of patients with psychiatric disorders experienced psychosocial problems which show the necessity of further research and interventions.