PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG CARE GIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH CONVERSION DISORDER

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the level of psychological distress in care givers of patients with conversion disorder and to determine its association with various demographic variables of the carers. Material and Methods: It was a descriptive hospital based study in Psychiatry Department of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. The study was conducted from July 2015 to June 2016. One hundred care givers fulfilled the criteria and were included in study. The different variables were recorded on specially designed proforma. SRQ-20 with a cut-off score 10 and above was used to determine the level of psychological distress. Results: Sixty four (64%) of the carers scored more than 10 and were having psychological distress. Mean age was 43.22 ±13.21 years. Females outnumbered males having 68.7% distressed. It was more common in illiterate carers (71.8%) and with low education level. Most of the distressed carers were unemployed (73.43%) and low socioeconomic conditions. Conclusions: Psychological distress is quiet common and prevalent in those taking care of patients with conversion disorder. Yet they lack the psychological support from service providers.