Articles
Social deficit in schizophrenia patients. Implication of the term.
Dr. Olga Randles, 2006
Abstract.
Schizophrenia as a single disease crashes many aspects of the patients' functioning. It is believed to be widespread with worldwide lifetime prevalence rates estimated to be at 0.2 % to 1.5% of the general population, meaning approximately 1% of the population develop schizophrenia during their lives. All areas of social and psychological needs as activities of daily living, leisure, recreation, social relationships, family and friendship, meals and self-care decline under the pressure of illness in schizophrenia patients and need our assessment in clinical, psychological, social aspects and development pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation programs. With the progression of the disease social deficit is taking out almost all social aspects of schizophrenia patients’ life, leads to unemployment, poverty and homeless.
These factors require a serious attention of Health Service providers, local communities and policy makers willing to stop the development of poverty, asocial behaviour and risk mortality of 1% of the population and decrease the financial burden of schizophrenia. Effective collaboration of policy makers shall make clear the practical solutions. [Full text] [References]
Predictors of Social deficit in Schizophrenia Patients. Systematic Review. Protocol.
First published
Reviewers
Priebe S, Randles O
Abstract
Background
There is concern about the quality of life for schizophrenia patients. A person with schizophrenia usually has some deficits in the social aspects of life which prevent him/her from participating in a valued life. The importance of investigation the social deficit in patients with mental health problems and changes in quality of life of people who experience a schizophrenia disease is clear.
All areas of social and psychological needs as employment, finance, accommodation, activities of daily living, leisure, recreation, social relationships, family and friendship, meals and self-care decline under the pressure of illness in schizophrenia patients and need our assessment in clinical, psychological and social aspects. Schizophrenia leads patients to lack of energy and encapsulation in their life keeping low level of outstanding stimulations. One of the most significant difficulties for schizophrenia patients is finding and keeping a job.
Survey results on employment rates of persons discharged from psychiatric hospitals show that the figures of full-time competitive employment range from 20% to 30%. This manifestation of social deficit and decline the quality of life can be devastating to the individuals with schizophrenia and their relatives and increase the cost of schizophrenia for community.
With the progression of the disease social deficit is taking out almost all social aspects of schizophrenia patients' life.
Main results
The main findings are the 8 studies which include the data of schizophrenia patients' social deficit. Size of studies: from 133 to 1643 participants in 18 - 78 years, more than 85% participants are single. Level of education was considerably different in different studies. Less than 14% of participants were employed. Employment index indicates a social deficit of the schizophrenia patients most significantly.
Reviewers' conclusions
The study reflects that the higher percent of schizophrenia patients are male, unemployed, single, having accommodation with relatives, taking antipsychotic medication. The higher percent of employed schizophrenia patients are single, independent, living in rented house/apartment, having middle/low rate of family contacts and high rate of visiting friends, lack money to enjoy life and wish to move but unable to realize this. [Full text]
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