Comparison of caregiver’s burden in schizophrenia and alcohol dependence syndrome

Introduction: Taking care of a family member at home involves sacrifice of leisure time activities, absenteeism from work, financial difficulties and so on. Presence of such difficulties in the lives’ of caregivers is collectively termed as “Caregivers’ burden”. Such burden in psychotic illnesses like schizophrenia is well established. Such studies are scarce, especially from this part of the world, on caregivers of those diagnosed to have Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS). This study aims to compare the different domains of burden in caregivers of ADS with those of schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: Sample consisted of 86 caregivers in total, 43 primary caregivers in two groups – Schizophrenia and Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS). Study period was 18 months. Caregivers who matched the inclusion criteria were interviewed using Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS), after taking informed consent. Result: Caregivers of those with ADS reported moderately higher burden, especially the female spouses. Parents in both groups experienced moderate levels of burden. Female caregivers of ADS group and male caregivers of those with schizophrenia scored higher in BAS. Highest burden was seen in the domains – “Physical & mental health of the caregiver”, “Patient’s behavior “and “Support of Patient”. Discussion: Significant burden is present in the lives of caregivers of schizophrenia as well as alcohol dependence syndrome. Multiple directives to ease this burden such as community rehabilitation programs, group therapy advocating healthier coping strategies should be thought about. Cross cultural studies in this direction would be useful.