Researches

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