Accomplishments

Study of insight in schizophrenia


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Category
Articles
Publisher
Indian Psychiatric Society
Publishing Date
01-Jul-2015
volume
16
Issue
2
Pages
118-122
  • Abstract

Background: Unawareness of one’s own illness among people with schizophrenia has been a much documented phenomenon. Insight into the illness and the level of functioning are known to be important in determining outcome in schizophrenia. Aims and objectives: 1.To assess the level of insight in patients with schizophrenia. 2.To study the correlation between the global functioning and level of insight in the patient. 3.To assess the relationship between the level of insight in the patient and the extent of disability in them. Methods: Fifty patients with schizophrenia were selected. The level of insight, functioning and disability were evaluated using the Birchwood Self Report Insight scale, Global assessment of functioning and Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale respectively. Relationship between these parameters was studied. Results: Seventy two percent of the patients had poor insight. Eighty four percent of the patients had a GAF score of less than sixty. Sixteen percent were severely disabled. There was no significant relationship between the parameters studied. Conclusions: Awareness of symptoms and mental illness is low even though perceived need for treatment is high. Level of insight and disability & global functioning does not have a significant relationship. Key message: There is no direct relationship between impaired insight and level of functioning and disability in patients with schizophrenia. Need to study specific psycho-social and cultural factors also.