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Family disruption, economic hardship and psychological distress in schizophrenia: can they be measured?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

M. Madianos ,
M. Economou ,
O. Dafni ,
E. Koukia ,
A. Palli  and
E. Rogakou
M. Madianos*
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Zografou Community Mental Health Center, University of Athens, 42, Davaki Pindou Street, Athens 157 73, Greece
M. Economou
Affiliation:
University Mental Health Research Institute, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
O. Dafni
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, Zografou Community Mental Health Center, University of Athens, 42, Davaki Pindou Street, Athens 157 73, Greece
E. Koukia
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
A. Palli
Affiliation:
University Mental Health Research Institute, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
E. Rogakou
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Byron Kessariani Community Mental Health Center, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
*
*Corresponding author. Email addresses:madianos@nurs.uoa.gr
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Abstract

This study examined the dimensions of burden perceived by key-relatives of patients suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorder by the development of an instrument, the Family Burden Scale (FBS) and the underlying predictors. One hundred and seventy one primary caregivers, living with 158 patients suffering from chronic psychotic illness and maintained on community basis in Athens area, were interviewed by the use of FBS supplemented by the Family Atmosphere Scale and GHQ. Construction procedure and factor analysis of FBS produced a scale of 23 items in four factors, three of them measuring objective and the fourth one, subjective burden. The scale was also proved to be reliable and valid. Forty-five percent of primary caregivers reported high levels of burden. Psychological impairment (high GHQ scores) was related with high levels of burden and negative family atmosphere. Previous admissions and duration of illness were also found to predict burden. The results suggest that FBS differentiates objective from subjective burden. Psychological well being of carers is affected by the dimensions of perceived burden.

Keywords

SchizophreniaBurdenPsychometricsGreece
Type
Original article
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 19 , Issue 7 , November 2004 , pp. 408 - 414
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2004

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