PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN CAREGIVER OF DRUG ADDICTS
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Keywords
Psychological Distress, Caregivers, Drug Abuse, Forensic Psychiatry
Abstract
Objective: The study aims to determine the prevalence of psychological distress stress, anxiety, and depression among caregivers of drug abuse patients.
Method: The sample consists of N = 100 participants, male and female caregivers of drug abuse patients. The inclusion criteria include caregivers of drug patients and those caring for individuals with drug-induced psychosis. Exclusion criteria eliminate caregivers of patients with other medical conditions and caregivers who are themselves taking drugs. Psychological distress was measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), a psychometric tool consisting of 21 items assessing depression, anxiety, and stress. Each subscale contains seven items.
Results The findings revealed that 64% of caregivers reported psychological distress, with a higher prevalence among female caregivers (33%) compared to males (31%). Regression analysis demonstrated that spouses, siblings, and parents of drug abusers experience significantly higher levels of distress compared to friends. Caregiving intensity was positively correlated with psychological distress, with depression showing the strongest correlation (r = 0.85, p < 0.01). Demographic factors such as marital status and employment type influenced distress levels, with married and self-employed caregivers reporting higher distress.
Conclusion: Caregivers of drug abuse patients, particularly close family members, are at a heightened risk for psychological distress. This study underscores the need for mental health interventions targeting caregivers, especially those with close emotional ties to the patient. Future research should explore objective measures of stress and expand the sample to different cultural contexts. Forensic psychiatry should consider early interventions for high-risk caregivers to reduce burnout and emotional strain.
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Dr Sadia Nikhet
Assistant Professor, Sheikh Zayed medical college Rahim yar khan
Dr Abdul Basit
Psychiatrist, Sheikh Zayed medical college Rahim yar khan
Dr. Fatima Khurram Bukhari
Assistant professor, department of Applied Psychology, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur.
Mahwish Adnan
Senior women medical officer, Sheikh Zayed medical college Rahim yar khan
Dr Ummara Munir
Consultant Psychiatrist,Sheikh Zayed medical college Rahim yar khan
Dr Sarmad Mushtaq
Consultant Psychiatrist,Sheikh Zayed medical college Rahim yar khan
Bisma Jamil
PhD scholar, department of Applied Psychology, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur.
Fozia Bibi
PhD scholar, department of Applied Psychology, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur