This study should focus on the characteristics of male clients suffering from depression and substance abuse. The aim of the study is to understand the lived experience of the male clients by eliciting their personal perceptions. The objectives were to understand the impact of depression and substance abuse on these patients and to explore the extent of the changes in their lives due to the disease. A quantitative design will be used for this study with semi-structured interviews as the research tool. Sixty individuals suffering from the phenomenon of “Bipolar Disorder” will be recruited by convenience sampling and 20 normal males will be recruited for a comparative study. This study will be conducted in a psychiatric mental health clinic. Half of the male clients interviewed will be suffering from alcohol abuse and the other half from drug abuse. The study will also focus on accounts of the circumstances leading to depression which are associated with stressful life-events and accompanied by symptoms of anxiety and agitation.
The data will be analyzed using statistical analysis which will involve standard deviations and regression along with sample differentiation. Seven major themes will be used for the questionnaire: family factors and environmental experiences; abandonment; self harm and suicidal attempts; financial struggle aspect; effective treatment programme and finally, outlook towards the future. The study will also identify also different levels of “depressive pain” and the associated thoughts, feelings and behaviours of these male clients.
1. To understand the impact of depression and substance abuse on male patients.
2. To explore the extent of the changes in their lives due to the disease and impact on family upbringing.
Eventually the researcher will attempt to identify the nurse’s role in rehabilitation with particular attention to the care, needs and empowerment of these women.
References
Watkins, K., Hunder, S., Wenzel, S., Paddock, S., & Griffin, A. (2004). Prevalence and characteristics of clients with co-occurring disorders in outpatient substance abuse treatment. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse , 1121-1129.
