Depression and functional level in schizophrenia: a comparison between chronic hospitalised in-patients and community care patients
- Author:
John Tan JT
;
Nor Zuraida Z
;
Mohamad Omer H
;
Jesjeet Singh Gill
;
Kelvin Lau HK
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Schizophrenia, depression, functionality, community, institutionalisation
- From:Journal of University of Malaya Medical Centre
2007;10(2):31-36
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Recent innovations in the treatment of schizophrenia reflect a growing trend towards
community-based care. Malaysia had in the past few years attempted to deinstitutionalise mental patients
in the mental hospitals. Therefore it is important to conduct research to compare the two groups of
schizophrenia patients (community-based patients against chronic hospitalised patients) to ascertain if
deinstitutionalisation has been beneficial. The main objective of the study was to compare levels of
depression and function in community-based patients against chronic hospitalised patients as depression
is prevalent among schizophrenia patients. This study was cross sectional in nature where data was
collected from 51 inpatients in Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta (HBUK) and 23 community-based patients.
Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) and Global Assessment of Functioning scale
(GAF) were the assessment tools used. Community-based patients were found to have significantly
lower scores in the CDSS scale (1.96) as compared to chronic hospitalised patients (4.04); p < 0.01).
They also showed higher functional capability between community-based and hospitalised patients
respectively (74.04 vs 57.92) respectively. (p < 0.001). Community services appeared to be more
effective than long stay in-patient services in preventing depression and promoting better functional
levels.
