Relationship Between Depression and Quality of Life Among Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital, West Bengal, India.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/ptzrp480Keywords:
Bipolar Affective Disorder , Depression, Quality of LifeAbstract
Introduction:
Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) is a serious and long-lasting mental illness marked by episodes of mania and depression. Even when patients are in remission, depressive symptoms often persist and can greatly reduce their quality of life (QOL). Understanding this relationship is important for improving overall patient care and outcomes.
Materials and Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Psychiatry Department of MCH, Kolkata, from April to December 2024. A total of 180 BPAD patients aged 18–65 years, all in remission, were selected through simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, WHOQOL-BREF (26 items), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (17 items). Analysis was performed using SPSS (2016 version).
Results:
Residual depression was common: 51% of patients had mild depression, 47.7% moderate, and 1.11% severe. Quality of life scores showed 16.11% with poor QOL, 81.11% with average QOL, and only 2.77% with good QOL. A moderate negative correlation was found between depression and QOL, indicating that greater depression was linked to poorer life quality. Religion, residence, occupation, and medication discontinuation were significantly associated with depression, while age, gender, and occupation influenced QOL.
Conclusion:
Even during remission, many BPAD patients experience depression that impacts daily living and overall well-being. Addressing socio-demographic factors and ensuring treatment adherence are crucial for improving their quality of life.
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