Perceived burden and quality of life of caregivers in obsessive-compulsive disorder

The study aimed to examine the family burden and quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

A cross-sectional assessment of 50 patients with OCD and their caregivers was carried out. The severity of OCD was assessed using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. The caregivers were assessed using the Family Burden Interview Schedule and the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF version (WHOQOL-BREF).

Fifty-six percent of caregivers reported a high objective burden. Severity of illness correlated with burden and impaired QOL of caregivers. Age of patient, longer duration of illness and longer duration of treatment were predictive of poorer QOL of caregivers in the physical health domain. Greater objective burden, disruption of family leisure and interaction due to OCD led to significantly poorer QOL in all domains in caregivers. Higher financial burden, perception of poorer mental health, and higher subjective burden were predictive of poorer physical, general health and general and psychological QOL, respectively.

The study provides important insights into the QOL and perceived burden of caregivers of OCD patients. It highlights the need for improving the quality of care not only for patients but also for primary caregivers.