Emotional Mental Disorders In Mothers From Schizophrenic Patients Who Seek Treatment To The Psychiatry Polyclinic Of BLUD RSJ North Sumatra Province

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Emotional Mental Disorders in Mothers of Schizophrenic Patients: A Study in the Psychiatry Polyclinic of BLUD RSJ North Sumatra Province

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that has a significant impact on individuals and their families, particularly mothers who often act as primary caregivers. The emotional toll of caring for a loved one with schizophrenia can be overwhelming, leading to emotional mental disorders in mothers. This study aims to investigate the proportion and symptoms of emotional mental disorders in mothers of schizophrenic patients who seek treatment at the Psychiatry Polyclinic of BLUD RSJ North Sumatra Province.

Research Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to determine the proportion of emotional mental disorders experienced by mothers of schizophrenic patients and to analyze the symptoms that arise. Additionally, this research aims to identify the distribution of emotional mental disorders based on sociodemographic factors such as age, marital status, education level, job status, residence, and socioeconomic status.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive design with a cross-sectional study approach. A non-probability sampling technique, specifically consecutive sampling, was used to select 158 mothers of schizophrenic patients who accompanied their children to seek treatment at the Polyclinic between September 1, 2011, and October 31, 2011. The inclusion criteria consisted of mothers from patients who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia based on the DSM IV-TR, were willing to participate in the research, and were able to communicate. Exclusion criteria included mothers who suffered from general medical diseases or had a history of previous mental disorders. Symptom assessment was conducted through direct interviews using the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) consisting of 20 questions. Respondents who answered "yes" to a minimum of 6 questions were identified as experiencing emotional mental disorders.

Results

The demographic characteristics of the respondents revealed that most of them were in the age range of 50 to 55 years (23.4%), had low education levels (74.1%), were not working (60.8%), were widowed (52.5%), lived in villages (57%), and came from low socioeconomic backgrounds (87.5%). The analysis showed that the proportion of emotional mental disorders in mothers of schizophrenic patients reached 66.5%, with symptoms of depression being the most commonly experienced.

Analysis and Discussion

The findings of this study highlight the high risk of emotional mental disorders in mothers of schizophrenic patients. The data indicates that more than two-thirds of mothers experience this situation, which is significantly higher than the general population in Indonesia. This emphasizes the need for increased attention and support for these mothers, both in terms of emotional support and access to mental health services.

The most experienced symptoms of depression may be a reflection of prolonged stress experienced by mothers in caring for schizophrenic patients. The social and emotional burdens they carry, coupled with stigma in the community towards mental illness, often make them feel isolated and drained. Therefore, the right intervention and support from the community are crucial to improve their quality of life.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this study implies the need for more proactive preventive measures to minimize emotional mental disorders in mothers of schizophrenic patients. Through better attention and proper support, it is hoped that the emotional mental conditions of these mothers can be maintained, enabling them to continue their role in supporting schizophrenic patients in a healthier and more constructive way.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Increased awareness and education: Raise awareness about the emotional mental disorders experienced by mothers of schizophrenic patients and the importance of providing support and access to mental health services.
  2. Community-based interventions: Develop community-based interventions that provide emotional support and access to mental health services for mothers of schizophrenic patients.
  3. Training and capacity building: Provide training and capacity building for healthcare professionals to better understand and address the emotional mental disorders experienced by mothers of schizophrenic patients.
  4. Policy development: Develop policies that prioritize the mental health and well-being of mothers of schizophrenic patients, including access to mental health services and support.

By implementing these recommendations, it is hoped that the emotional mental conditions of mothers of schizophrenic patients can be improved, enabling them to provide better care and support for their loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Emotional Mental Disorders in Mothers of Schizophrenic Patients

As a follow-up to our previous article on emotional mental disorders in mothers of schizophrenic patients, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide further clarification and insights on this critical topic.

Q1: What are emotional mental disorders, and how do they affect mothers of schizophrenic patients?

A1: Emotional mental disorders refer to a range of mental health conditions that can affect an individual's emotional well-being, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Mothers of schizophrenic patients are at a higher risk of developing emotional mental disorders due to the prolonged stress and emotional burden of caring for a loved one with a mental illness.

Q2: What are the symptoms of emotional mental disorders in mothers of schizophrenic patients?

A2: The symptoms of emotional mental disorders in mothers of schizophrenic patients can vary, but common symptoms include:

  • Depression: feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities
  • Anxiety: feelings of worry, fear, and nervousness
  • Stress: feelings of overwhelm, fatigue, and irritability
  • Social isolation: withdrawal from social activities and relationships

Q3: What are the risk factors for emotional mental disorders in mothers of schizophrenic patients?

A3: The risk factors for emotional mental disorders in mothers of schizophrenic patients include:

  • Age: mothers in their 50s and 60s are at a higher risk of developing emotional mental disorders
  • Education level: mothers with lower education levels are at a higher risk of developing emotional mental disorders
  • Job status: mothers who are not working are at a higher risk of developing emotional mental disorders
  • Marital status: mothers who are widowed or divorced are at a higher risk of developing emotional mental disorders
  • Socioeconomic status: mothers from low socioeconomic backgrounds are at a higher risk of developing emotional mental disorders

Q4: How can mothers of schizophrenic patients prevent or manage emotional mental disorders?

A4: Mothers of schizophrenic patients can prevent or manage emotional mental disorders by:

  • Seeking support from family, friends, and mental health professionals
  • Engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as exercise, meditation, and yoga
  • Building a support network of other caregivers and mental health professionals
  • Prioritizing self-care and taking breaks from caregiving responsibilities
  • Seeking professional help when symptoms of emotional mental disorders are present

Q5: What role can mental health professionals play in supporting mothers of schizophrenic patients?

A5: Mental health professionals can play a critical role in supporting mothers of schizophrenic patients by:

  • Providing emotional support and counseling
  • Offering stress-reducing techniques and coping strategies
  • Connecting mothers with community resources and support groups
  • Providing education and training on caregiving and mental health
  • Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care

Q6: What are the implications of emotional mental disorders in mothers of schizophrenic patients for healthcare systems and policymakers?

A6: The implications of emotional mental disorders in mothers of schizophrenic patients for healthcare systems and policymakers include:

  • The need for increased awareness and education about emotional mental disorders in mothers of schizophrenic patients
  • The importance of providing access to mental health services and support for mothers of schizophrenic patients
  • The need for policy development and implementation to prioritize the mental health and well-being of mothers of schizophrenic patients
  • The importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community organizations to address the needs of mothers of schizophrenic patients.