Challenges of Indian Girls with Maternal Schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenia, earlier known as dementia praecox, is considered to be one of the most devastating mental illnesses due to its impact on the individual as well as family members. The Indian context characterized by one’s rootedness to family, warrant enquiry about difficulties and burnouts faced by girl children. When it is the mother who is suffering from the illness, there tends to be a huge lag in terms of primary care giving. A disturbed home environment along with inadequate parenting have shown to adversely affect the girl children. The present qualitative research study aimed to explore challenges faced by the girl children with maternal schizophrenia with the help of 43 Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) across India. Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA) was adopted and interviews were conducted using a validated interview guide. Thematic analysis revealed that girl children whose mothers are diagnosed with schizophrenia faced challenges in self, family and social sphere of life. Neglect, self blame and the question ‘why me’ were recurrent themes. They experienced difficulties in cognitive, behavioral and social domains. The added burden of family responsibilities and social stigma made the surroundings challenging. Exploring the world of girls with maternal schizophrenia would deepen our understanding about impact of schizophrenia on family members and aid us develop interventions to support the care givers.