Study of Personality Profile of Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Affective Disorder on Rorschach Inkblot Test

Abstract

Background: Personality is unconscious; it is hidden, and many unpleasant truths about us are concealed from ourselves. Personality is a dynamic organization within an individual that determines their unique adjustment to the environment. However, psychiatric illnesses often impact not only the overall personality but also the inner self. Thoughts can change, especially in disorders like ‘Schizophrenia’ and ‘Bipolar Affective Disorders’. Personality assessment is essential to understand how different disorders influence and alter one’s personality. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the differences in personality structure using the Rorschach Inkblot Test between patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Affective Disorder experiencing a current episode of mania with psychotic symptoms. Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study, sample Thirty patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia and thirty patients diagnosed with BPAD during a current episode of mania with psychotic symptoms were selected after screening with tools such as the BPRS—Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Patients who scored either mild or moderate on the BPRS were included. Patients with mild or moderate scores on the YMRS, indicating Bipolar Affective Disorder during an episode of mania with psychotic symptoms, were also selected. The BDI was administered to check for depressive symptoms; if present, the subject was excluded from the sample. Results: The post-assessment analysis revealed a significant difference in the personality profiles of patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Affective Disorder when tested with the Rorschach Inkblot Test. Conclusion: Patients suffering from these two distinct disorders—Schizophrenia and BPAD during an episode of mania with psychotic symptoms—show different personality structures. Along with varying symptoms and prognoses, there is a clear difference in the personality structures of these patients.