Indicators of Social Functioning Affecting Intrafamily Relationships in Patients with Neurotic Spectrum Disorders

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Abstract
Background: the problem of studying certain aspects of the quality of life of patients with mental disorders, including the neurotic spectrum, remains insufficiently disclosed. The level of quality of life is influenced by various factors, one of which is the nature of intra-family relationships, which largely depends on the indicators of social functioning. The aim was to identify and analyze indicators of social functioning that undergo changes against the background of the development of neurotic spectrum disorders and have an impact on intra-family relationships. Patients and Methods : a simultaneous prospective comparative study of individual aspects of social functioning affecting family relationships of patients with neurotic spectrum disorders before and after the development of neurotic pathology was conducted. The research material was data from an anonymous voluntary survey of 500 patients with diagnoses according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10) — F40–F48; F32; F06. A specially designed questionnaire was used, which included blocks for assessing family status, work, financial situation, fear of stigmatization, and the specifics of seeking specialized help. Results : against the background of the development of a neurotic mental disorder, the divorce rate increased 3-fold, and the level of conflict in families increased significantly. The deterioration of the financial situation due to the forced transition to a job with a lower salary was subjectively associated with an increase in the number of family conflicts in 69.4% of cases. A pronounced fear of intra-family stigmatization was noted by 31.2% of patients, while external stigmatization was noted by 39.6%. More than a third of patients (36%) first sought specialized psychiatric help only 2 years or more after the onset of the disease. One of the main reasons of late referral was the fear of stigmatization due to their disorder. Conclusion : indicators of social functioning such as marital status, financial status, and fear of stigmatization of an existing neurotic disorder show significant dynamics and are closely related to the nature of intra-family relationships in patients with neurotic spectrum disorders. Studying the specific effects of neurotic spectrum disorders is important for developing an integrated approach to therapy and rehabilitation.

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