The social correlates of chronic neurotic disorder

Summary

In a general practice setting in Newfoundland the social functioning and adjustment of 50 female patients identified as suffering from a non-psychotic psychiatric illness of at least one year's duration was studied and compared with that of a demographically similar group of women free of psychiatric symptoms. After psychiatric screening, a specially designed social interview schedule was administered, covering a wide range of social circumstances and activities which were rated under three heads, material conditions, social functioning and satisfaction. Results showed that the index group, though matched for income level and family size, were somewhat less well-placed materially than control patients, functioned less well and were markedly less satisfied with their lot. The implications of this finding for the medical services in the area are discussed, since chronic neurotic patients tend to be characterized by frequent, continuing general practice attendance and failure to respond to a variety of treatments offered. The feasibility of a social service approach to the problems experienced by this type of patient is considered.