Comparing Stigma and Well-Being Between Offspring of Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Affective Disorder- A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Needs of the children often get disregarded, if parent develops mental illness. During early adulthood, while striving for establishing their identity and fulfilling responsibilities, mental illness of parents could make them vulnerable in the society due to stigma, associated stress and other negative experiences. This study aims to assess and compare stigma and well-being between the offspring, caring for their parent diagnosed with Schizophrenia or Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD).

Methodology: It was cross-sectional pilot study, including 15 offspring of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 15 of BPAD, using purposive sampling. Participants were 18-30 years of age and residing with parent having psychiatric illness, since past at least 1 year. They were assessed on Affiliate Stigma Scale (ASS) and PGI General Well-being Scale (PGIGWBS). Descriptive analysis included frequency estimation and inferential statistics included Pearson’s correlation and Mann- Whitney U test.

Results: Majority participants were male (83.3%); all were literate; 76.7% were single; 50% were financially independent. Mean score of ASS was higher in schizophrenia (16.47) than BPAD (14.53), and of PGIGWBS higher in BPAD (18) than schizophrenia (13); however difference was not significant. Scores of PGIGWBS had negative correlation with ASS scores, but did not reach at statistical significance. Behavior domain of ASS had negative correlation with previous hospitalizations of patient.

Conclusion: Offspring of patients with schizophrenia or BPAD experience nearly similar form of stigma, affecting their well-being. Financial dependency of patient appears to have a role in offspring’s experience of stigma. Appropriate steps by mental health professionals and policy makers are required to create awareness and mitigate stigma prevailing around mental illnesses.