Investigating gender differences in quality of life and social support in patients with severe mental illnesses.

Background: Severe mental illnesses (SMIs), including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder affect patients significantly. Gender has been identified as a key factor influencing the experience of SMIs with notable disparities in prevalence, symptoms, and treatment outcomes. Additionally, the quality of life (QoL) and social support for patients with SMIs can vary based on gender.

Evaluation of patient social support, caregiver burden, and their relationship with the course of the disease in patients with bipolar disorder.

Background: Bipolar disorder is a chronic disorder that causes significant effects on the patient and exerts a significant care burden on caregivers. This study aimed to investigate the social support of patients, caregivers' burden and their impact on the clinical course of the disease.

Methods: The study included 85 patients with bipolar disorder type I and II (in the recovery phase of the disease) and their caregivers in the age range of 18 to 60 years.