Socio-demographic Factors in Dysthymia and D[C]D

Abstract

Context : Social factors related to an individual play a key role in the development of any mental illness. Dysthymia and Dissociative [Conversion] Disorder are two important psychiatric disorders precipitated by stressful social factors and life events. Prior research has indicated significant stressors associated with both the disorders, but, however, there is a lack of comparative studies assessing the two disorders.Aims : This study aims to explore the significant differences in socio-demographic factors among adults with Dysthymia, Dissociative [Conversion] Disorder and a group matched control group.Setting and design : The comparative study included 60 individuals aged 18-45 years. 20 individuals had Dysthymia, 20 individuals had Dissociative [Conversion] Disorder and 20 individuals were belonging to normal control group. Semi structured clinical data sheet was administered to each subject to elicit the social factors. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, General Health Questionnaire and M.I.N.I International Neuro-Psychiatric Interview was usedas a screening tool. All subjects were included in the study after obtaining their consent.Statistics : Chi-Square was done to see significant difference in socio-demographic variables. Result & Discussion : Results indicated significant difference within the three groups in terms of area, family type and marital status. Majority of patients with Conversion disorder belonged to rural area, were married and had extended families. Whereas, patients with Dysthymia mostly belonged to urban area, were unmarried or divorced and belonged to nuclear family.Conclusion : The results of the study are significant and can be used for planning intervention programs for both the groups. Keywords : Dysthymia, Dissociative [Conversion] Disorder, Socio-demographic factors