Schizophrenia: its psychological effects on family caregivers

Abstract

Purpose: Caregivers of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia experience moderate to severe caregiver burden and are at risk for developing mental disorders. This study explores the psychological effects and coping strategies of family caregivers of relatives diagnosed with schizophrenia in the developing world. Methods: This qualitative study used the register of a community mental health clinic at a Jamaican hospital to purposively select and recruit five primary family caregivers of clients diagnosed with schizophrenia (based on the DSM IV). Consenting participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: Four of the five caregivers studied were females. Participants were either parents (4) or siblings (1) of the client diagnosed with schizophrenia and aged 42 -57years. Participants experienced feelings of anger, sadness, loss of libido, loss of appetite and depression. They expressed feelings of fear, guilt, stigma and stress related to financial responsibilities in caring for their relatives. Coping mechanisms included social support from family members and their strong faith in God. Conclusion: Participants reported experiencing major psychological distress and ineffective coping. Community based management of individuals with schizophrenia should include strategies to support family caregivers.

The care burden and coping levels of chronic psychiatric patients’ caregivers

“…15,[20][21][22][23][24] At this point, stress and coping situations gain importance. 20,25,26 In a study conducted by Riley-McHugh et al, which investigated stress-coping mechanisms and psychosocial effects of caregiving on caregivers, the stress levels of the caregivers increased when they had insufficient coping resources, social support, and communication skills. 26 These symptoms may aggravate the economic and social burden of caregivers.…”

“…20,25,26 In a study conducted by Riley-McHugh et al, which investigated stress-coping mechanisms and psychosocial effects of caregiving on caregivers, the stress levels of the caregivers increased when they had insufficient coping resources, social support, and communication skills. 26 These symptoms may aggravate the economic and social burden of caregivers. Studies have shown that the symptoms of depression and stress are accompanied by stigma and a maintenance burden.…”

“…On the scale, the self-confident approach (items 8, 10,14,16,20,23,26), helpless approach (items 3,7,11,19,27,28), submissive approach (items 5, 13,15,17,21,24), optimistic approach (items 2, 4, 6, 12, 18), and social support seeking (items 1,9,29,30). The items on this scale, which is a four-point Likert type scale, are scored between 0 and 3 (0: not suitable, 1: not suitable, 2: suitable, 3: completely appropriate).…”

The experiences of Turkish families caring for individuals with Schizophrenia: A qualitative inquiry

“…Family members are generally responsible for the care of schizophrenic patients all over the world (Kertchok, 2014; Stengard, 2003). Especially, the studies in developing countries show that caregiving is the work of the extended family (Riley-McHugh, Brown, Lindo, 2016; Talwar & Matheiken, 2010; Yusuf, Nuhu, & Akinbiyi, 2009). Moreover, family’s importance increased with the community-based approach (Chan, 2010).…”

Case study of a psychotherapeutic programme for people with severe mental illness experience

“…Many authors have identified the difficulties faced by the close persons of people with a SMI (Chien, 2010;Matens and Addington, 2001;Riley-McHugh et al, 2016). R9 had been stealing money from his parents and abusing drugs; after the end of the intensive part of the psychotherapeutic programme he was able to speak about his wish to repay the money and to find a temporary job, thus showing a strong trust towards the group.…”