Exploring the Impact of Psychosis on Functioning in Persons with Serious Mental Illness: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study.

Background: Patients with serious mental illness experiencing psychosis go through many challenges in their daily life activities. Despite the relevance of this issue, qualitative studies on this area from the Global South are scarce. This qualitative study aims to explore the impact of psychosis on functioning in patients with serious mental illness. Methods: Nine patients clinically diagnosed with serious mental illness, aged 18-60, identified through maximum variability sampling, were approached for written informed consent. Subsequently, they were invited for an in-person interview regarding the impact of psychosis on their daily activities and everyday functioning. Interviews were also conducted with seven primary caregivers and four healthcare professionals working in the field of mental health. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically coded in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. The data analysis was done using the Systematic Text Condensation (STC) strategy. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Results: The key themes are presented as: Influence of psychosis on functioning, personal narratives of living with psychosis, and personal anecdotes from mental health professionals on psychosis and functioning. The results highlight the multidimensional nature of psychotic experiences, which reach beyond clinical manifestations and lead to significant emotional distress, reduced self-worth, and a diminished sense of personal identity. Conclusions: This study brings out the need for holistic, patient-centered approaches that recognize the complex lived experiences of individuals experiencing psychosis, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive support systems that address functional, social, and psychological dimensions of mental illness.