Assessment Of Caregivers’ burden Of Patients With Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

Background: Caregivers also need the social support to prevent their exhaustion in caring and maintaining their own mental health. The present study was conducted to assess burden felt by the caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Materials & Methods: 74 patients of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder of both genders were assessed with Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS) scale and Psychopathology in schizophrenia patients was measured using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results: Out of 58 patients, males were 38 and females were 20. The mean duration of illness was 7.2 years and 8.9 years, duration of treatment was 5.4 years and 6 years and mean number of hospitalizations was 0.72 and 0.90 in group I and II respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mean score of BAS in group I and group II for spouse related was 4.1 and 5.7, physical and mental health was 12.5 and 12.3, external support was 8.3 and 8.2, caregiver routine was 8.7 and 7.5, patient support was 4.6 and 5.2, taking responsibility was 9.4 and 8.6, other relation was 6.7 and 5.3, patient behaviour was 9.0 and 8.6 and caregiver strategy was 8.4 and 7.2 respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: The extent of burden among families of schizophrenic patients is more than those of bipolar disorder.