A comparative study of disability between bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia using Indian disability evaluation and assessment scale

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) have been identified as two severe mental disorders that are associated with a considerable amount of disability. These disorders create significant impairment in many aspects of an individual's life. Objective: This study was undertaken to compare the disability associated with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder (BPAD). Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (F20.0–F20.9) (n = 30) or BPAD (F30.0–F39) (n = 30) as per the International Classification of Diseases-10. The level of disability was assessed by the Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale. A semi-structured pro forma was used to assess the sociodemographic and clinical parameters. Results: The level of disability was mild in 17 (56.7%) subjects, moderate in 12 (40%) subjects among patients with BPAD. In Schizophrenia, 20 (66.7%) subjects had a mild disability and 10 (33.3%) had a moderate level of disability. The mean global disability score among patients with BPAD was significantly higher than in those with schizophrenia (7.57 + 2.84) versus 6.93 + 2.94, t = 0.846,P= 0.033. Conclusion: The level of disability among individuals diagnosed with BPAD was higher mostly related to self-care and work-related domain disability.