Living conditions of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the region of ‘Tâmega e Sousa’ (Portugal)

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) are the most impairing psychiatric disorders and are a major cause of social exclusion. Despite that, there are only two studies published assessing the socioeconomic characteristics of SSD patients living in Portugal. Aims: The purpose of this study is to assess the degree of social and family support for SSD patients living in the region of ‘Tâmega e Sousa’, in northern Portugal. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study using patients under home-based care provided by the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa. We retrieved sociodemographic data from clinical records. The study was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee. Results: Our sample consists on 67 patients with SSD, mostly men (74.6%). Although the majority was single (69.2%) and childless (85.7%), only a minority lived alone (21.2%). In relation to their professional status, only 5.0% were employed and 78.3% got a disability pension. Among the patients that lived accompanied, 68% lived with their parents or grandparents, and a quarter lived with family members affected by psychiatric disorders. Conclusions: These findings highlight the dependence of SSD patients on their family’s support. Lack of labour market integration, economic dependence and difficulty establishing stable relationships further aggravate their social exclusion. Although our results are consistent with a previous observational study held in Portugal, our patients display a worse functional status. Even considering the possible patient selection bias, there is evidence supporting the need for more investment in psychosocial rehabilitation that should take into account the sociodemographic idiosyncrasies of this Portuguese region.

Effect of Social Skills Enhancement Training Program on Negative Symptoms among Patients with Schizophrenia

“…Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are the most impairing psychological disorders and are a major cause of social exclusion among the affected patients (Barranha et al, 2020) (32) . It is the most severe and disabling psychiatric disorder (Behrouian et al, 2020)…”

No ordinary adult life: Living conditions from the perspective of adults with intellectual disabilities

“…Studies, both in Sweden and internationally, have compared living conditions of people with and without disabilities (Barranha et al,2021; Emerson et al, 2012; Pérez-Hernández et al, 2019; Umb Carlsson and Sonnander, 2005). Some studies focus on objective living conditions in various domains: housing, occupation, education, finances, leisure, personal safety and social belonging (Umb Carlsson, 2020; Umb-Carlsson and Sonnander, 2005).…”