A comparative study of disability in long stay patients versus Outpatients in a Psychiatric Hospital.

ABSTRACT

Background: Disability associated with mental illness is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. The present study was undertaken to assess and compare the disability in long stay patients versus outpatients in a psychiatric hospital using Indian Disability Evaluation Assessment Scale (IDEAS). Methods: Patients suffering from chronic mental illness included in the study. Indian Disability Evaluation Assessment Scale (IDEAS) was applied. Disability was assessed in these patients on all domains of IDEAS. Results: Majority of outpatients (n=13) had percentage of disability (<40%) compared to only 4 inpatients. Conclusions: IDEAS, a new instrument for quantifying and certifying disability in psychiatric patients is useful not only for the outpatients but also for inpatients. Chronic mental illnesses affect all areas of daily functioning, thus posing greater challenge for the rehabilitation of patients and their inclusion in the mainstream.