Assessment of met and unmet needs of patients of severe mental illness and its association with quality of life.

AIM: To assess and compare met and unmet needs of patients of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and its association with their quality of life. METHODS: Outpatients and inpatients ,male and female with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (50) and schizophrenia (50) as per ICD-10 criteria ,had an insight score of at least 3/5. Demographic and clinical details were taken using semistructured intake proforma. The principal instrument employed to assess met and unmet needs was the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule - Patients(CANSAS-P). Quality of life is assessed using the WHOQOL. RESULTS: An average of 6-7 needs were unmet by patients with schizophrenia and 5-6 needs were unmet by patients with Bipolar disorders .Most common unmet needs were in the areas of money and benefits needs, informational on condition and treatment , social needs, intimate relationships and sexual expression. According to the CANSAS-P, patients reported that more than 60% of the total needs were being met. Total, met and unmet needs were significantly higher for schizophrenia, but the most common types of needs were similar to BD. Significant associations were also obtained with greater the unmet needs and QOL of the patients. CONCLUSION: The presence of unmet needs in patients was marker of the enduring psychosocial impairment.