Global perspective of burden of family caregivers for persons with schizophrenia

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a severe form of mental illness that affects about 7 per 1,000 of the adult population. It is estimated that globally about 29 million people have schizophrenia. With the advent of deinstitutionalization, most persons with schizophrenia are now being cared for in the community by their families. Living with a relative with severe mental illness is stressful. Burden of care is a global issue affecting family caregivers in both developed and developing countries. This article aims to examine the burden of family caregivers for persons with schizophrenia and the socioeconomic factors that influence the caregivers' perception of burden. There is a general agreement that family interventions are beneficial to family caregivers. Therefore, this article examines two of the most commonly investigated interventions: psychoeducation and support groups, for family caregivers of persons with schizophrenia.