[Burden of relatives of chronic psychiatric patients].
This study aimed at the systematic assessment of the burden imposed on the relatives of mentally ill persons. A postal survey was carried out on a sample drawn from the members of the Federal Association of Relatives of the Mentally ill (n = 557).


RESULTS
Almost one third of those questioned experienced the care for their relatives as a heavy burden, a further third said that the burden was moderate. Among the negative consequences, health impairment was cited most often. Two-thirds of the participants reported constraints on their everyday life and the organisation of their leisure time. A (partly considerable) financial burden was cited with similar frequency. Further, the illness had a negative impact on the personal relationships of the caregivers. A quarter of the sample had lost touch with other family members. The same was found with regard to contact with friends. One-third reported discrimination by their environment.


CONCLUSIONS
The results emphasize the necessity of creating opportunities to relieve some of the burden on relatives.
Angermeyer
M C
MC
Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie der Universität Leipzig.
Matschinger
H
H
Holzinger
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003688:Deinstitutionalization; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008875:Middle Aged; D012144:Respite Care