Investigation the burden of mentally ill careers’

Aim: of this research was to investigate, in Greek population, the degree of burden of caregivers of psychiatric patients, the ratio of burden and demographic and other factors. Finally, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect which, the burden, has on quality of life and mental health of caregivers. Materials and methods: For this purpose, specially constructed questionnaires were administered to 122 carers in structures belonging to the University Psychiatric Department of Eginition Hospital. Except of demographic data and variables related to their relative-patient, the participants filled out four psychometric tools: a) the McMaster Family Assessment Device), b) the quality of life questionnaire SF-12, c) Zung’s self-rated depression scale and d) the trait part of Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The study’s participants had variable age, family status, education, profession, gender and relationship with the psychiatric patient who was their relative. Results : The statistical analysis of the data showed that the carers reported low levels of health-related quality of life, both in the physical and in the mental component. The 20-40 years age group, the working and more educated class reported bigger distress in the physical dimension; in the mental dimension apart from the previous age group, worse quality of life was reported by relatives other than spouses. On the other hand, the burden levels show for the carers in our sample, were high in comparison with findings from other studies. Pensioners and/or homemakers, married, parents of psychiatric patients who cared for their relatives for a long period of time were proven more adjusted and resistant to burden. Older ages reported, though, higher levels of depression and anxiety. 20.8% of the participants gave answers indicative of clinical depression. In general, anxiety and depression as well as the mental component of the quality of life were found to be associated with bigger family burden and dysfunctional of carers. Conclusion: This study shows that the burden of carers is a reality in Greek society as well. For this reason, it is suggested that family education, psycho education and cognitive- behavioral psychotherapy programs are implemented.