Caregiver strain and symptoms of depression among principal caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in Sri Lanka

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Data on caregiver strain and depression of principal caregivers of patients with mental illnesses are few in developing countries. Findings from developed countries cannot be applied directly to developing countries as culture spec...

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Main Authors: Rodrigo Chaturaka, Fernando Tharanga, Rajapakse Senaka, De Silva Varuni, Hanwella Raveen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2013-01-01
Series:International Journal of Mental Health Systems
Online Access:http://www.ijmhs.com/content/7/1/2
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author Rodrigo Chaturaka
Fernando Tharanga
Rajapakse Senaka
De Silva Varuni
Hanwella Raveen
author_facet Rodrigo Chaturaka
Fernando Tharanga
Rajapakse Senaka
De Silva Varuni
Hanwella Raveen
author_sort Rodrigo Chaturaka
collection DOAJ
description <p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Data on caregiver strain and depression of principal caregivers of patients with mental illnesses are few in developing countries. Findings from developed countries cannot be applied directly to developing countries as culture specific factors may influence the outcome.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A prospective study was carried out in the University Psychiatry Unit of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) to identify symptoms of depression, caregiver strain and dissatisfaction with life in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder. Participants were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Modified Caregiver Strain Index.</p> <p>Results and discussion</p> <p>Eighty caregivers were interviewed (males; 36, 45%). Symptoms of depression were significant in 37.5%, while 48.8% had unsatisfactory scores on the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Depression and higher caregiver strain were associated with spending more time with the patient, interruption to work, disputes with relations, being assaulted by patient and self admission of needing professional help to overcome mental stress.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study identified several associations for depression and increased caregiver strain among caregivers in a subset of patients with mental disorder in Sri Lanka. These can be used as markers to screen and increase pretest probability to identify caregivers needing help rather than applying the cumbersome questionnaires to all.</p>
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spelling doaj.art-cefe45762f9d4647925a18306c5b7ae32022-12-21T20:55:32ZengBMCInternational Journal of Mental Health Systems1752-44582013-01-0171210.1186/1752-4458-7-2Caregiver strain and symptoms of depression among principal caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in Sri LankaRodrigo ChaturakaFernando TharangaRajapakse SenakaDe Silva VaruniHanwella Raveen<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Data on caregiver strain and depression of principal caregivers of patients with mental illnesses are few in developing countries. Findings from developed countries cannot be applied directly to developing countries as culture specific factors may influence the outcome.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A prospective study was carried out in the University Psychiatry Unit of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) to identify symptoms of depression, caregiver strain and dissatisfaction with life in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder. Participants were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Modified Caregiver Strain Index.</p> <p>Results and discussion</p> <p>Eighty caregivers were interviewed (males; 36, 45%). Symptoms of depression were significant in 37.5%, while 48.8% had unsatisfactory scores on the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Depression and higher caregiver strain were associated with spending more time with the patient, interruption to work, disputes with relations, being assaulted by patient and self admission of needing professional help to overcome mental stress.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study identified several associations for depression and increased caregiver strain among caregivers in a subset of patients with mental disorder in Sri Lanka. These can be used as markers to screen and increase pretest probability to identify caregivers needing help rather than applying the cumbersome questionnaires to all.</p>http://www.ijmhs.com/content/7/1/2
spellingShingle Rodrigo Chaturaka
Fernando Tharanga
Rajapakse Senaka
De Silva Varuni
Hanwella Raveen
Caregiver strain and symptoms of depression among principal caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in Sri Lanka
International Journal of Mental Health Systems
title Caregiver strain and symptoms of depression among principal caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in Sri Lanka
title_full Caregiver strain and symptoms of depression among principal caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in Sri Lanka
title_fullStr Caregiver strain and symptoms of depression among principal caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in Sri Lanka
title_full_unstemmed Caregiver strain and symptoms of depression among principal caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in Sri Lanka
title_short Caregiver strain and symptoms of depression among principal caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in Sri Lanka
title_sort caregiver strain and symptoms of depression among principal caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in sri lanka
url http://www.ijmhs.com/content/7/1/2
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