Family Interaction Pattern and Quality Of Life of Caregivers Having Violent Patients with Bipolar Affective Disorder (Current Episode Mania)

Background: Bipolar affective disorder (BAD) is a multi-factorial disorder with various clinical presentations. ‘The manic episodes are manifestated by decreased sleep, irritability, aggression, dramatic fluctuation in mood or emotions caused to violent acts’. The clinical importance of hostility is in its close association with violence and non-adherence to treatment. BAD symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance that can seriously affect the lives of patients and their families. All caregivers share a similar fate; and they take responsibility for their mentally ill family members. Aim & Objectives: Aim was to examine the family interaction pattern and quality of life of caregivers having violent patients with bipolar affective disorder (current episode mania). Methodology: The Present study was a cross sectional hospital based and approved by ethical committee. Total 858 family members/caregiver interviewed for history of violence with diagnosed patient with BAD current episode mania (age 21 – 45 years) fulfilling ICD-10 criteria selected using probability sampling, when they brought patient in OPD. Total thirty (n=30) adult persons with BAD patient’s caregivers sample were recruited as per inclusion, exclusion-criteria for data collection tools such as Semi-structured socio-demographic data sheet, Family Violence Scale (Bhatti et al., 1985), Family interaction pattern scale (Bhatti et al., 1986) and WHO-Quality of Life Scale (WHO-QoL-BREF, 1998).  Results: There was no significant difference found in all domains of the Family Violence Scale. In correlation Physical violence domain positively correlated with Family Interaction Pattern’s domain of Leadership pattern at 0.05 level & Emotional violence positively correlated with Communication at 0.05 level and with Leadership pattern at 0.01 level. As well as Social violence positively correlated with the domain Leadership at 0.05 level. Also total score of family violence positively correlated with Leadership pattern at 0.01 level of the Family Interaction Pattern Scale. With QoL family violence domain emotional violence negatively correlated with the Psychological health, Social relationship and Environmental/Financial at 0.05 level and with Total score of QoL at 0.01 level. As well as total score of the family violence negatively correlated with the domain Social relationship at 0.05 level of the WHO – Quality of life Scale. Conclusion: It is very important for the mental health professionals to identify the needs of the family caregivers. Finding out areas need attention and strategies to restore the wellbeing of an individual and caregiver requires knowledge and skill based comprehensive assessment. Mental health issues need multidimensional approaches to bring fruitful outcomes. Engagement and implementation strategies, as well as the interventions themselves, must be tailored to local and cultural characteristics.