Psychological defense mechanism,social support and family functioning for first-episode schizophrenia patients in period of recovery

Objective To explore the characteristics of the psychological defense mechanisms,social support,and family functioning for first-episode schizophrenia patients in rehabilitation period and provide a theoretical basis for the development of effective and comprehensive rehabilitation plan. Methods Total 138 schizophrenia patients after atypical antipsychotic treatment in rehabilitation period(schizophrenia group),and 150 healthy people(control group) were assessed with defense style questionnaire(DSQ),social support rating scales(SSRS) and family assessment device(FAD),and analyze the difference in all the questionnaires between the two groups. Results ①The total score of the immature mechanism in the schizophrenia group was significantly higher[(4.36±1.03) vs. (3.35±0.95),t=2.278,P=0.035],the scores of projection,passive aggressive,complaining,autistic fantasy,schizoid,withdrawal and somatization were all significantly higher(t=2.157-3.503,P=0.003-0.042);The total score of the middle defense mechanism was significantly higher[(4.91±0.86) vs. (4.10±0.75),t=2.242,P=0.038],the scores of reaction formation,removal,avoidance,pseudo-altruism,isolation,denial,association tendency,expectations were significantly higher(t=2.125-4.465,P=0.001-0.048);The total score of the mature mechanism was significantly lower[(4.89±1.30) vs. (6.04±1.29),t=2.142,P=0.046],the scores of suppression and humor were significantly lower,when compared with the control group(t=-8.946,-6.535,each P<0.001).②Compared with control group,the total score of SSRS in the schizophrenia group was significantly lower[35.19±5.27 vs. 42.34±8.38,t=-5.238,P=0.001],the scores of the objective,subjective support score,and the utilization of support were significantly lower(t=-7.034-2.864,P=0.000-0.004).③The total sore of FAD was significantly higher[2.23±0.09 vs. 1.89±0.10,t=7.642,P<0.001],the sores of function,problem solving,commutation,role,affective reaction and behavior control score of the FAD were all significantly higher(t=5.261-8.033,each P<0.001). Conclusion The first-episode schizophrenia patients in rehabilitation period show an immature tendency of psychological defense mechanism,with poorer social support and defected family functioning.