ETD Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/104


Please note: Digitised content is made available at the best possible quality range, taking into consideration file size and the condition of the original item. These restrictions may sometimes affect the quality of the final published item. For queries regarding content of ETD collection please contact IR specialists by email : IR specialists or Tel : 011 717 4652 / 1954

Follow the link below for important information about Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Library Guide about ETD

Browse

Filters

20141

Settings

Author: search.filters.author.Singh, Ryola Rangi

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Schizoaffective disorder in an acute psychiatric unit: profile of users and agreement of diagnosis with operational criteria (OPCRIT)
    (2014-04-08) Singh, Ryola Rangi
    Schizoaffective Disorder remains poorly understood. Experts still disagree on whether it is a discrete disorder; whether it exists on a spectrum between Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia or whether it even exists. Objectives: The study aimed to describe the demographic, clinical and treatment profile of mental health care users (MHCUs) diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder at a regional hospital (Helen Joseph Hospital) in Johannesburg, Gauteng. It also aimed to determine the degree of agreement between the clinicians‟ diagnosis and Operational Criteria (OPCRIT). Methods: All MHCUs at Helen Joseph Hospital psychiatric unit with a discharge diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder between January 2004 and December 2010 were included. The demographic, clinical and treatment profiles as well as data required for OPCRIT were extracted from hospital records and discharge summaries. Results: The main findings were that most MHCUs diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder were female with a mean age of illness onset of 25 years; had impaired social, occupational and interpersonal functioning; had a family history of mood disorders; were non-adherent on admission and were treated with at least 1 antipsychotic and 1 mood stabiliser. Also, there was no agreement between the clinicians‟ diagnosis and OPCRIT. Conclusion: More rigorous research is needed to accurately describe the profile of MHCUs diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder to improve understanding and management of their condition.