ABSTRACT
In this study, the prevalence of stress among Egyptian mothers caring for an offspring with schizophrenia was examined. The relationship of negative versus positive symptoms of the patients and the level of perceived stress among the caregivers were also explored. A total of 41 mothers of schizophrenic patients was surveyed. The schizophrenic patients were assessed using the scale for the assessment of positive symptoms and the scale for the assessment of negative symptoms. Caregivers stress was assessed using the perceived stress scale and depression/anxiety level was examined using the hospital anxiety and depression scale. The mean level of anxiety and depression reported by caregivers was 12.1 and 11.7, respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between the perceived stress experienced by the mothers and patients' positive symptoms. On the other hand, the correlation between mothers perceived stress and the patients' negative symptoms did not reach a statistical significance