An assessment of reasons for psychiatric illness as perceived by close relatives of psychotic inpatients

Abstract

Objective: Psychiatric patients in Turkey usually live with their families and both the patients and their relatives are influenced by each other. To investigate and evaluate the relatives' thoughts and opinions about the reasons for psychiatric illness has gained much importance, since the relatives are also included in the treatment programs for the patient's well-being. To reach the relatives may become easier if we know what they think and know. Therefore , we raised the following questions for investigation: 1) What is the order of importance in relation to reasons for mental illness? and 2) Is there a difference between the males' and females' opinions? Method: A form with 14 pos¬sible reasons for mental illness was prepared and given to 60 male and 60 female relatives of psychotic inpatients to be filled out in the order of importance. The difference of opinions between the sexes was assessed with chi-square test. Results: The order of importance selected by 120 subjects in relation to reasons for mental illness was: "the'dif-ficulty in interpersonal relationship," "financial difficulties," "environmental pressure" and "death of a loved one." For males, "evil eye" was the second reason for illness, whereas for females the same reason was surprisingly in the 12th row. Conclusion: The findings of this study encouraged us not only in planning other more detailed studies but also working with relatives of psychotic patients more closely.