title: Measuring the burden of psychiatric illness on the family: an evaluation of some rating scales.
abstract: The gradual shift towards non-institutional treatment for severe and chronic psychiatric illnesses has been accompanied by a recognition of potentially harmful effects ('burden') upon the patient's caregivers. This paper aims to provide a framework for the development of further research into the burden of 'community care' by offering a clear definition of the burden concept, an exposition of the criteria for evaluating rating scales to measure the concept, a review of major rating scales of burden, and some suggestions for improvements in methodology which are urgently required.
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D005190:Family; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics