Three dimensions of burden were found: effect on the social and personal life of caregivers, psychological burden and feelings of guilt. Some health variables were linked to these dimensions. Spouses and children perceived burden differently. Spouse caregivers emphasized the deterioration of their personal and social life. Children, less involved in daily care, were more prone to feel guilt that they were not doing enough for their parent.

This result suggests the involvement of the TPH gene in susceptibility to manic-depressive illness. This preliminary result requires confirmation in further groups of patients and controls.

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