Comparison of Caregivers’ Burden among Family Members of Patients with Severe Mental Disorders and Patients with Substance Use Disorder

Ronak Mihan; Seiedeh  Bentolhoda Mousavi; Mohammad Reza  Khodaie Ardakani; Hamed Rezaei; Samaneh Hosseinzadeh; Ali Nazeri Astaneh; Rosa Alikhani

doi:10.18502/ijps.v18i2.12369

Ronak Mihan Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Seiedeh Bentolhoda Mousavi Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Reza Khodaie Ardakani Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Hamed Rezaei Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Samaneh Hosseinzadeh Department of Biostatistics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Ali Nazeri Astaneh Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Rosa Alikhani Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v18i2.12369

Keywords: Caregiver Burden; Severe Mental Disorders; Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

Objective: The burden on caregivers of patients with severe mental disorders is significantly higher than the care burden of patients with other medical conditions. Substance use disorder is also one of the most common psychiatric disorders that has negative effects on people's quality of life. This study was designed to investigate caregiver burden in severe mental disorders versus substance use disorder.

Method: First-degree relatives of patients admitted to the Razi Psychiatric Hospital of Tehran with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder type1, schizoaffective disorder, or substance use disorder entered this study. They completed the sociodemographic questionnaire for patients and caregivers and the Zarit burden interview for caregivers.

Results: Our study shows that caregiver burden in substance use disorder has no significant difference with that in severe mental disorders (P > 0.05). In both groups, the highest spectrum of burden was moderate to severe. To find caregiver burden related factors, a general linear regression model with multiple predictor variables was fitted. In this model, caregivers’ burden was significantly higher in patients with comorbidity (P = 0.007), poor compliance (P < 0.001), and in female caregivers (P = 0.013).

Conclusion: Statistically speaking, the caregiver burden in substance use disorders is as severe as other mental disorders. The considerable burden on both groups necessitates serious efforts to minimize its negative effects.