Pathways of care and attitudes toward psychotropics in patients with depressive disorders and psychotic disorders

OBJECTIVES: Delay in institution of appropriate mental healthcare is closely linked with attitudes, stigma, and availability of services, which further directs the help seeking pathways. This study was aimed to assess the pathway of care and attitudes toward psychotropic medications among patients with depressive disorder and psychotic disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty outpatients with depressive disorder and 40 patients with psychotic disorder were assessed in a tertiary care center for pathways to care and attitude toward psychotropics through Attitude toward Psychotropic Medications Questionnaire and Drug attitude inventory-10. RESULTS: The psychiatrist remained the most common first treatment contact (46% in depression and 62% in psychosis). Greater number of patients in psychotic disorder group had first treatment contact with faith healers or exorcist (17.5%), compared to depressive disorder (6.2%). Patients in depressive group had more favorable attitude toward psychotropics compared to psychosis group. Majority of patients had favorable attitude toward psychotropic medications, but they also had substantial misconceptions about side effects, utility, and need of taking lesser than prescribed doses. CONCLUSIONS: Although majority of patients had favorable attitude, they also had substantial misconceptions about medications. These issues need to be addressed for better delivery of comprehensive mental healthcare.