Impact of Psychoeducation to reduce the burden in primary caregiver of patients with schizophrenia

ABSTRACT

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic and inarguably one of the most debilitating psychiatric syndromes. Primary care giver faces burden in different domains, few of the domains having significant correlation with a schizophrenia patient. The evidence has suggested that effective Psychoeducation will lead to reduced relapse rate, enhanced recovery and better family well-being at a lesser cost. The current study was aimed to explore burden of the family members and impact of Psychoeducation to reduce the burden in primary caregiver of patients with schizophrenia. Methodology: A prospective and interventional study was conducted from October 2016 to September 2017 among primary caregivers of the patient with schizophrenia. Caregivers were interviewed and assessed by application tools like Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS). After assessment, education program was conducted every week for five weeks. One month after completion of all the sessions, post test was conducted. Results: Total 32 primary caregivers of schizophrenia patients participated in the study. Eight caregivers did not complete the follow-up regularly as per the schedule. So, they were excluded from further study and only 24 caregivers were taken into account. Spouse as caregiver and participants with age less than 45 years felt more burden. Statistically significant reduction of burden in physical and mental health, external support, caregiver’s routine, patient’s behaviour related factors and total burden assessment schedule score was observed, which was denoted by paired t test. While, no statistical reduction was observed in other factors. Conclusions: Psychoeducation is effective in reducing the burden and creates more awareness about illness. It also improves coping strategy during different stages of illness. It also deals with communication skills and expressed emotions.