Caregiver'S burden : a comparison between obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health Research
• Caregiver Studies

Background:

• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia are severe mental illnesses impacting families.
• Caregiver burden is a significant factor in managing chronic psychiatric conditions.
• Limited comparative data exists on the burden experienced by relatives of OCD patients versus schizophrenia patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the burden of care experienced by key relatives of patients with OCD and schizophrenia.
• To identify specific domains and demographic factors associated with higher caregiver burden in OCD.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving key relatives of patients diagnosed with OCD (n=30) and schizophrenia (n=41).
• Utilized the 40-item Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS) to evaluate caregiver burden.
• Analyzed scores across different BAS domains and demographic subgroups.

Main Results:

• Caregivers of OCD patients reported significantly higher mean scores in spouse-related factors and caregiver strategy domains compared to schizophrenia caregivers.
• Total burden scores were comparable between the two groups for most BAS domains.
• Spouses and unemployed caregivers within the OCD group exhibited significantly elevated total burden scores.

Conclusions:

• Caregiver burden associated with OCD is substantial, potentially exceeding or equaling that of schizophrenia.
• Specific subgroups, such as spouses and unemployed individuals caring for OCD patients, require targeted support interventions.
• Findings underscore the need for tailored support services for families managing OCD.