In:
British Journal of Psychiatry, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Vol. 175, No. 1 ( 1999-07), p. 56-62
Abstract:
Family members of patients with schizophrenia frequently report burdens associated with caring for their relatives. Aims We evaluate the impact of illness beliefs on the burden reported by family care-givers of people with bipolar illness. Method The multivariate relationships between patient symptomatology and family illness beliefs and report of burden were examined at baseline among care-givers of 266 patients with Research Diagnostic Criteria-diagnosed bipolar illness who were subsequently followed for 15 months. Results At baseline, 93% of care-givers reported moderate or greater distress in at least one burden domain. As a group, care-giver illness beliefs (illness awareness, perception of patient and family control) explained an additional 18–28% of variance in burden experienced beyond the effects of the patients clinical state and history. Conclusions Care-givers of patients with bipolar illness report widespread burden that is influenced by beliefs about the illness.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0007-1250
,
1472-1465
DOI:
10.1192/bjp.175.1.56
Language:
English
Publisher:
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Publication Date:
1999
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2021500-9
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