Caregivers' Experiences of Aggressive Persons with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Background: Understanding the caregivers’ experiences of aggressive persons with mental disorders is very important from the public health point of view. Only a few Indian studies have focused on this. No Indian studies could be found that explored the caregivers’ experiences of aggressive persons with schizophrenia. This study was conducted to explore the same. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted in the outpatient and inpatient settings at a tertiary care mental health institute at Bengaluru, Karnataka. Ten participants meeting the eligibility criteria were selected using purposive sampling. Data collection was done by individual, in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews using topic guide along with subjective observation and field notes. Each interview was audio-recorded, transcribed, translated, and coded. A total of five master themes and 22 subthemes were derived from the codes by using the qualitative research software ATLAS-Ti. Results: The themes derived based on the experiences of caregivers living with their aggressive persons with schizophrenia were the aggressive behaviors of the patients, reasons for the aggression of the patients, dealing with the aggression of the patients, the impact of aggression on the caregivers, and the coping methods of the caregivers. Conclusion: This study explored the experiences of the caregivers living with the aggressive patients. The results show the need for care and support to the caregivers. The themes can guide mental health professionals while developing culture-specific tools and interventions for future research as well as suggest them standard operating procedures for prevention and management of aggressive patients in the psychiatric hospitals.

Caregiver burden experiences of caregivers of patients with schizophrenia: A qualitative inquiry

“…Similarly, in a study conducted with caregivers of patients with chronic mental illness, similar to our study, it was stated that the role of caregiver is a difficult and unpredictable experience that requires effort and that the quality of life of caregivers is adversely affected (Saunders & Byrne, 2002). It is seen that similar results have been reached in many studies in the literature (Akgül Gök & Duyan, 2020; Doval et al, 2018; Neha et al, 2021; Ohaeri, 2003; Zimmerman, 1995). The most important source of social support for caregivers throughout the process is their families.…”

“…Ganguly et al (2010) stated in the study that the caregiver could never leave their child’s side, and that at least one person should be with them, and that this situation triggers the feeling of loneliness and isolation over time and that it can be expressed with negative emotional states such as anger and resentment. Neha et al (2021), in his study with caregivers, stated that one of the participants used violence from time to time due to his child’s aggressive behavior and later regretted it. Although the extent and state of anger varies, many studies with caregivers have found results consistent with the results of our study (Akgül Gök & Duyan, 2020; Brain et al 2018; Koschorke et al 2017; Lima & de Andrade Lima, 2017).…”

“…When we look at the literature, it is seen that the social exclusion dimension is discussed in many studies on caregivers. Neha et al (2021), in their studies, found that caregivers with schizophrenia are isolated by their relatives and neighbors and that everyone stays away from them and isolates them. Boardman (2011) emphasized that the process of social exclusion, together with the trauma of the illness, negatively affects the caregivers, the family, and the individual with schizophrenia.…”

Effectiveness of a Home Based Training Program on Caregivers Knowledge in Managing Aggressive Behavior of Patients With Mental Illness

“…22 It is needed to care, support, and train the caregivers regarding handling of aggressive patient. 23 Caregivers only take care of their physical illnesses, mental issues aroused during caring of their mentally ill patient, facing aggression of their patient often neglected. Maladaptive coping strategies and lack of knowledge regarding dealing of aggression of mentally ill patient not only cause suffering to the caregivers but also worsen the aggression and hinder the recovery of the patient.…”