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Original Research

Dusunen Adam. 2012; 25(4): 330-337


Evaluation of burden in a group of patients with chronic psychiatric disorders and their caregivers

Muharrem Ak, K. Fatih Yavuz, Nergis Lapsekili, M. Hakan Türkçapar.




Abstract

Objective: Psychosocial, emotional and physical responses arising while giving care is considered as the burden of the caregiver. To be aware of the burden to the family members or caregivers and the severity of the burden provides important clues for family treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the burden of the caregivers of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients, the relationship of the caregiving burden with sociodemographic and psychopathological variables, and whether there is any similarities between the two groups with respect to caregiving burden.

Methodology: The caregivers of 40 chronic bipolar patients and 40 schizophrenia patients diagnosed according to DSM-IV participated in this study. Patients’ symptoms were assessed with Clinical Global Impression Scale. Caregivers were evaluated using Zarit Burden Interview.

Results: Caregiving burden was found high in the caregivers of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients, but there is no statistical difference between the groups. Educational status of the caregivers, the severity of the illness, caregiver’s relationship to the patient, a history of psychiatric disorder in the family were found as important variables that increased the burden of the caregiver.

Discussion: To uncover the factors that affect the burden of the caregivers is important for predicting relapses. Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia significantly affect not only patients but also their families (or caregivers). At this stage, the responsibility of the clinician is not restricted to clinical practice, but includes educating patients and their families as well as helping them to organise against psychological and social difficulties.

Key words: Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, caregiving burden






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