A survey on the symptoms in 192 family members of hospitalized psychiatic patients staying at open wards by the Symptom Checklist 90

Abstract

Objective To understand psychological pressure in the family members of hospitalized psychiatric patients staying at open wards and to explore the causes and management. Methods 192 family members of psychiatric patients and 200 of other patients were surveyed by the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90). The data were analyzed by χ2 test. Results Scores of somatization,obsessive-compulsiveness,depression,hostility,and paranoid ideation were greater in the family members of psychiatric patients than those of other patients (P＜0.05);Scores of somatization,obsessive-compulsiveness,depression,anxiety,hostility and paranoid ideation of the family members of psychiatric patients were greater than those of the national norm (P＜0.05). In the family members of psychiatric patients,scores of depression,anxiety,and paranoid ideation were different with their educational background (P＜0.05) while somatization and deprssion were different with gender (P＜0.05). Conclusions The family members of hospitalized psychiatric patients staying at open ward are the major population who have psychological problems.Proper mental health education for them is necessary. Key words: Psychiatric open wards; Family members of hospitalized patients; Symptom checklist 90