Mental health, lack of social support and economic crisis: a preliminary study in “crisis-related†patients

Abstract

Background. An increasing rate of mental health illness linked to the current economic crisis has been recorded worldwide. The lack of perceived social support and lower quality of social relationships could leads to psychological disorders and suicidal ideation too. The aim of this study is to compare the quality of social sphere of patients affected by “crisis-related†psychological disorders with other people’s, who have asked assistance to the same Mental Health Care Center. Methods. Using an observational research design, patients (n=45) of “Crisis and Psychopathology Observatoryâ€â€“by Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan–have been investigated about the perceived quality of social relationships (Cronbach’s Alpha=.75), and the social support received (Cronbach’s Alpha=.76). Findings. MANOVA points out that “crisis-related†subjects showed a less quality of social relationships: F(1,44)=7.01; p=.012 and–at the same time–a lower perception of psychological support received F(1,44)=7.37; p=.01. Discussion. The results show that “crisis-related†patients have a lower quality of the social sphere. The results suggest a possible way to elaborate actions and therapies in order to improve change in psycho-social variables connected to this new psychological illness.