Abstract
Objective: To assess the relationship of perceived social support of patients with psychiatric disorders and their quality of life with associated components in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methodology: The sample of study consisted of 100 patients suffering from psychiatric disorders, whose age ranged from 20-60 years. The minimum level of qualification was matriculation. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Urdu version), WHO Quality of Life Scale and a semi-structured form of interview were used to collect data. The data were analyzed through Pearson Product Moment coefficient of correlation.
Results: Perceived social support was significantly positively correlated to overall quality of life (r = .427, n=100, p<0.000). It was also significantly positively correlated with physical health (r = .424, n=100, p<0.000), psychological health (r = .298, n=100, p<0.001), social relationships (r = .337, n=100, p<0.000) and environmental functioning (r = .351, n=100, p<0.000).
Conclusion: There was a significant positive correlation between perceived social support and quality of life including physical health, psychological health, social relationship and environmental functioning.

Key words: Perceived social support, quality of life, psychiatric disorders.