Stress, coping strategies, and relapse among schizophrenia patients at the psychiatric hospital of Oujda, Morocco

Abstract

Introduction: schizophrenic relapse constitutes a formidable challenge in the realm of psychiatric care, often precipitating a cascade of deteriorating symptoms and functional impairment. Addressing this issue necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to relapse occurrence. Methods: this cross-sectional study, conducted at the Hospital of Mental Health and Psychiatric Diseases in Oujda, sought to explore the intricate interplay between stress, coping mechanisms, and the incidence of relapse among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Over six months, data were collected from three hundred schizophrenia patients, encompassing demographic, clinical, stress, and coping-related variables. Results: analysis of the findings unveiled compelling associations between stress intensity, coping efficacy, and relapse vulnerability. Notably, heightened stress intensity emerged as a significant predictor of relapse occurrence, surpassing the mere exposure to stressors. Furthermore, inadequate coping strategies were found to significantly elevate the risk of relapse, underscoring the pivotal role of adaptive coping skills in mitigating relapse susceptibility. In addition to these associations, the study revealed intriguing insights into the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patient population. Predominantly male and urban-dwelling, the patients exhibited varying levels of education and employment status. A substantial proportion reported a history of substance abuse and psychiatric family history, indicating potential predisposing factors for relapse vulnerability. These findings underscore the imperative of integrating stress management interventions and fostering adaptive coping mechanisms within schizophrenia treatment paradigms. Early identification and targeted interventions aimed at ameliorating stress reactivity and enhancing coping proficiency. Also, it held promise for the reduction of relapse rates and the increase of long-term outcomes for individuals grappling with schizophrenia. Conclusion: by elucidating the nuanced dynamics of stress and coping in relation to relapse, this study contributes valuable insights to the development of tailored interventions and therapeutic strategies in schizophrenia management.