Funkcjonowanie w sferze ekonomicznej chorujących na schizofrenię

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness affecting 1% of the population. It is characterized by symptoms: hallucinations, delusions, negative symptoms, disorganized behavior and thinking. It is connected with changes in the brain structures and neurotransmission, which is associated with cognitive dysfunctions. These factors significantly limit the social and professional functioning of people suffering from it. Nevertheless, so far, literature has not focused on an important topic related to the functioning of schizophrenic patients in the economic sphere. The study included 31 patients suffering from schizophrenia and a control group consisting of 30 clients of social welfare centers who were not mentally ill, and their household incomes were close to those with schizophrenia. The study was divided into stages due to application of numerous research tools. Information about economic functioning, material and family situation was collected. The Financial Operational Characteristics Questionnaire was used as well as the Questionnaire of Attitudes to Financial Behavior by Grażyna Wąsowicz-Kiryło. The tools used to assess cognitive functioning were also applied. The research method ("Shop") was constructed by the author, it allowed simulation of shopping. In addition, the financial competence of the respondents was assessed, as well as the severity of the symptoms of schizophrenia using Clinican-Rated Dimensions of Psychosis. The obtained results point to the poor financial situation of people with schizophrenia, who often remained dependent on their relatives. Usually, they received pensions and benefits, they rarely took up a job. They were characterized by low independence, poor knowledge about the needs of the household. They showed difficulties in planning their daily purchases and their performance. They perceived themselves as unable to postpone immediate gratification, but nevertheless the observation of their actual behavior did not confirm that. When shopping their tendency to choose a small number of products was noticed, but the products were usually relatively expensive. Patients had relatively poor knowledge of the prices of articles. In addition, there were some difficulties in solving simple financial problems among patients with schizophrenia. Among the characteristics of financial functioning dominated: financial temporal perspective focused on the present and poor reflexivity of making financial decisions. The results obtained in the study allowed to draw important practical and application conclusions. Based on them, guidelines were formulated for possible interactions to improve the economic functioning of patients suffering from schizophrenia, which may be undertaken as part of the work of the environmental treatment team.