Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Introduction: EUPD has been found to be associated with a low quality of intimate relationships and predispose to dysfunctional interactive behaviours and a negative marital outcome. Though the incidence of separation and divorce are on the rise, the problems of underlying personality factors are not given much significance and not adequately studied. Materials and Methods: All consecutive EUPD patients of both genders attending psychiatry department during the study period (2015- 2016) were included in the study. Those with mental retardation, seizure disorder, psychotic illness before 18years of age and acute medical illness that interfere with assessment were excluded. After obtaining informed written consent, socio-demographic and clinical details were collected using a data sheet designed for this purpose. Data was collected from both patients with EUPD and their spouses. Results: 92.4%(n=44) of the group were in their first marriage. The average duration of the current marriage was less than ten years in 92.4% of the study group. 10 (24.2%) had no children, and 20 (53.1%) had children below 5years of age. 16 (42.3%) subjects received some psychosocial intervention for marital discord in the past. 71.5% of spouses (all were males, subjects reported a moderate to high level of marital dissatisfaction. Comorbid psychiatric diagnoses were present in 10 (24.2%) of the study subjects. Majority of spouses (98.3%) of the subjects had an education up to secondary level or above. Conclusion: This study found a high level of marital maladjustment among subjects with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder. Wives of persons with schizophrenia have lower QOL and marital adjustment compared to normal controls.