Caregiver Burden In Patients Of Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorder.

Abstract

Aim: To assess and compare caregiver burden among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder attending the Department of Psychiatry, SMMH Medical College, Saharanpur. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 primary caregivers, comprising 100 caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and 100 caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder. Patients were diagnosed according to standard diagnostic criteria and caregivers fulfilling predefined eligibility criteria were included. Sociodemographic and clinical information was collected using a structured proforma. Caregiver burden was assessed using the 40-item Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS). Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tests were applied. Results: The mean age of caregivers was 46.2±11.8 years in the schizophrenia group and 44.7±12.1 years in the bipolar disorder group. The mean duration of caregiving was significantly longer among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia (8.4±5.5 years versus 6.6±4.9 years; p=0.016). The mean BAS total burden score was significantly higher among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia than among caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder (72.8±13.6 versus 66.4±12.8; p<0.001). Significantly greater burden among schizophrenia caregivers was observed particularly in the domains of external support, caregiver routine, support of the patient, taking responsibility, other relationships and patient behaviour. Duration of illness, duration of caregiving, number of hospitalizations, patient disability and illness severity were positively associated with caregiver burden. Conclusion: Caregivers of patients with both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder experience substantial burden, suggesting greater overall burden among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Longer illness duration, greater disability, greater illness severity and recurrent hospitalization were associated with increased burden. Routine assessment of caregiver burden and incorporation of caregiver-focused psychoeducation, family interventions and psychosocial support into psychiatric care may help reduce the impact of caregiving.