A Comparative Study of Caregivers Burden in Relatives of Persons with Schizophrenia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Background: Schizophrenia and Obsessive compulsive disorder are associated with significant distress and dysfunction. Even the care givers are significantly affected by these illness. Treatment of these disorder cannot be complete till the family is also involved and dysfunction and distress be taken care of. While many studies have been done to assess the care giver burden in schizophrenia and OCD but only few have compared the burden among two illness. Also, none of such studies have been done from our area. Aims and objectives: To assess the care giver burden severity among caregivers of persons with Schizophrenia and Obsessive compulsive disorder. Material and Methods: Persons accompanying sufferers of Schizophrenia and OCD were recruited from the outpatient unit of our department. We used Care giver burden scale (CBS) to assess for the severity of burden. Results: Total of 80 participants (40 each in Schizophrenia and OCD group) were recruited in the study. Burden on caregivers of OCD was high and comparable to that of caregivers of Schizophrenia patients. No significant difference was noted for the severity of burden among the two groups (p=0.777). Also being single and not being spouse or parent of the patient was also associated with higher burden. Conclusions: Caregivers of OCD sufferers are having significant burden. Management plan must include the caregivers also, to provide the best care to the patients.