Risk of Psychological Distress Among Individuals Living with a Mentally Ill Person: A Study from a Backward State of India and its Implications

Abstract

Purpose: Psychological distress is often associated with common mental disorders. Studies show the measurements of psychological distress have a higher level of sensitivity and specificity toward serious mental illnesses. Present study aims to compare the presence and risk of psychological distress among individuals living with a mentally ill person and general public. Methods: 240 individuals living with a mentally ill person and 240 individuals from general public were evaluated for psychological distress by using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, version-10. Odd ratio used for calculating the risk of psychological distress. Results: Study reveals nearly 50% and 15% presence of psychological distress respectively among the individuals living with a mentally ill person and general public. The risk for psychological distress was more than five times higher for the individuals living with a mentally ill person. Conclusions: The findings of the study indicate the higher vulnerability and presence of untreated psychiatric morbidity among the relatives of psychiatric patients compared to general public.

Keywords

• Psychological distress
• Serious mental illnesses
• Living with mentally ill person
• Untreated mental illness