Problems Faced by the Families of Patients with Psychological Disorders: A Case of Nishter Hospital Multan

Abstract

This research study aimed to describe the socioeconomic problems faced by families of mentally ill patients due to mentally ill member. Case study research design was used to collect and analyze data by using different tools and techniques. 12 case studies were taken from neurology ward of Nishter hospital Multan through purposive sampling. It was found that the families of mentally ill persons considered the causes of mental illness as psychological problems and some of them also considered it as supernatural phenomenon. They firstly relied on Pir baba and other faith healers for mentally ill patients’ treatment and then came to hospital after the failure of faith healing in this way they had to face a lot of economic expenses. Because of mental illness the families of mentally ill patients faced social (isolation,stigmatization, time wasting, marriage problem etc.) and economic problems (loss of job, loss of income etc.).