European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

COMPARISION OF QUALITY OF LIFE BETWEEN SCHIZOPHRENIC AND BIPOLAR AFFECTIVE DISORDER PATIENTS IN GOVERNMENT GENERAL HOSPITAL, PSYCHIATRIC OPD

Ravi Prakash Degala*, Govinda Rao Kamala, N. Suvarna Jyothi, Ratna Priya G., Hyndavi Trylockya and Veera Naga Lalitha Nakkina

ABSTRACT

Background: Schizophrenia and Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) are severe mental illnesses that significantly impair an individual’s psychosocial functioning and overall quality of life (QoL). Understanding the differences in QoL among these patient groups can aid in tailoring more effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies. Objectives: This study aims to compare the quality of life between patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and those with BPAD attending the Psychiatric Outpatient Department (OPD) at a Government General Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted among clinically diagnosed schizophrenia and BPAD patients. Participants were assessed using a standardized Quality of Life scale. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to determine significant differences in QoL domains between the two groups. Results: Preliminary findings suggest that patients with BPAD tend to report better QoL scores in several domains compared to patients with schizophrenia, particularly in social and occupational functioning. However, both groups exhibited significantly reduced QoL compared to the general population. Conclusion: While both schizophrenia and BPAD considerably impact quality of life, schizophrenia patients may experience more profound deficits across multiple domains. These findings highlight the need for diagnosis-specific psychosocial interventions to enhance QoL in psychiatric populations.

Keywords: Schizophrenia, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Quality of Life, Psychiatric OPD, Mental Health.