Study of psychological morbidity & coping mechanisms in family members of persons with mental illnesses

ABSTRACT

Background: The psychological morbidity of family members of mentally ill is generally overlooked. This studyfocuses on the psychological morbidity in family members.Aim: To study psychological morbidity and coping mechanisms used by the family members of mentally ill admittedin psychiatric hospital.Methods: A sample of 45 family members of mentally ill admitted in The Institute of Mental Health, Hyderabad wastaken. Severity of illness in patients and psychological morbidity and coping mechanisms used by the family memberswere assessed.Results: There is no significant psychological morbidity among the family membersConclusions Acceptance is the most common coping mechanism used by family members of persons with mental illness.