Caregiver burden in anxiety disorders

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Family burden research traditionally emphasizes severe mental disorders.
• Anxiety disorders, despite their prevalence and disabling nature, have been under-researched regarding family impact.
• Caregiver burden associated with anxiety disorders remains a neglected area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing evidence on the burden experienced by families of individuals with anxiety disorders.
• To highlight the gap in research concerning family burden in most anxiety disorders.
• To emphasize the need for increased focus on caregiver support.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on family burden in anxiety disorders.
• Synthesis of available data on caregiver burden in specific anxiety disorders.
• Identification of research gaps and areas for future investigation.

Main Results:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are the only anxiety disorders with available data on family burden.
• Caregiver burden in OCD is comparable to that in severe mental disorders like schizophrenia.
• Spouses, partners, and children of individuals with PTSD experience substantial burden.

Conclusions:

• Limited data suggests a significant adverse impact on families caring for individuals with OCD and PTSD.
• Urgent need for further research to understand and address family burden in anxiety disorders.
• Future research should also explore the impact of caregiver burden on disease course and recovery in anxiety disorders.