Psychopathology and coping behaviors among wives of patients with bipolar affective disorder

Anita James; Neethi Valsan; K Saibunnisa Beevi; Naveen Joseph

doi:10.30834/KJP.36.1.2023.320

Authors

Anita James Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Malabar Medical College & Research Centre, Kerala
Neethi Valsan Professor and HOD, Department of Psychiatry, Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala
K Saibunnisa Beevi Former HOD, JMMC & RI, Thrissur, Kerala & Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Bharath Hospital, Kerala
Naveen Joseph Junior Resident, Department of Emergency Medicine, Aster MIMS, Kerala

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30834/KJP.36.1.2023.320

Keywords:

Bipolar affective disorder, psychopathology, coping

Abstract

Background: Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) is a challenging psychiatric illness which burdens both the patient as well as the caregiver. As a consequence, many psychiatric symptoms are reported in the spouses and caregivers of patients with BPAD. Caregivers adopt various coping behaviors to tackle their stress and overcome these situations. The objective is to study psychopathology and coping strategies among wives of inpatients with BPAD admitted under the psychiatry department of a tertiary care teaching institute. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was done at the inpatient wards of the Department of Psychiatry of Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, Kerala. The sample size was 70 and the study duration was 18 months. After approval from the institutional ethics committee, the study was done. Psychopathology was assessed using Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale (CPRS) and psychiatric morbidity using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus (Mini-Plus). Coping behavior was assessed using Brief-COPE. Results: Most commonly reported psychopathology was reduced sleep (71.4%). Nearly three-fourth were having psychiatric morbidity, with a majority having adjustment disorder – brief depressive reaction. The most commonly used coping behaviors were approach coping/problem-focused coping rather than avoidant coping. Conclusion: From this study, it was found that the majority of the wives of patients with BPAD had depressive symptoms and most of them were diagnosed to have adjustment disorder. Therefore, while planning the management of patients with BPAD we have to ensure that adequate psychosocial support is being provided to their primary caregivers also.

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