Burden of Care

Abstract

Schizophrenia, the most common of the major psychiatric illness has a devastating impact on the lives of the patients as well as their families. The burden of care for such patients is heavy and demanding on the caregivers physically and emotionally. Many, because of the stigma of the illness, isolate themselves, thus cutting off the possibility of badly needed help.

This study of 150 families of patients admitted for treatment at Woodbridge showed that the families had been affected adversely by the illness of a family member. Disruption in family relationships and distress in the family members were noted. Family distress was more pronounced when aggressive behaviours that are threatening and noisy were present in the patients. Other passive symptoms in the patients, though disturbing were viewed as less distressful to the families. The primary caregivers who bore the brunt of the caring were most affected in areas of their emotional and physical health, although their work performance and normal daily activities were also affected.

The overall results of the study showed that the families were in need of immediate intervention when the patient was admitted to the hospital. Some were, in fact in a crisis state and needed considerable support to prevent further deterioration in family functioning.