Several earlier studies have reported that chronic psychiatric disorders lead to various psychosocial issues not only for the patients but for the caregivers also. However, the studies systematically examining caregiver's burden, mental health and ways of coping with their family member's illness in Schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder are limited.
A sample of 63 participants further comprising of 18 male 15 female caregivers of schizophrenia and 19 male and 11 female caregivers of BPAD was selected using purposive sampling method. Coping check list and family burden interview schedule were the tools employed.
Perceived caregiver burden and coping strategies in the two groups were found to be quite similar, however, the burden of illness on the mental health of the caregivers was found to be higher in schizophrenic caregivers compared to BPAD caregivers. Significant positive correlations were found between various dimensions of caregiver burden, GHQ scores and coping strategies. It is hoped that study's findings will prove helpful in designing specific interventions for the caregivers of chronic psychiatric disorders.
Burden, Coping, Mental Health, Psychiatric Disorders
