The effect of social network on burden and pessimism in relatives of patients with schizophrenia.
The authors explored the social network of caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in relation to relatives' sociodemographic characteristics, patients' clinical variables, family burden, and pessimism about the consequences of the disease. They evaluated 709 key relatives of patients with schizophrenia concerning the above-mentioned variables by means of well-validated questionnaires. A more supportive social network was found in relatives who reported lower levels of burden and pessimism about schizophrenia. The effect of social network on relatives' burden and opinions about schizophrenia was significantly different in relation to relatives' gender. Strengthening the relatives' social network may represent a useful strategy to alleviate their burden and pessimism about schizophrenia.
Magliano
Lorenza
L
Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
Fiorillo
Andrea
A
Malangone
Claudio
C
Marasco
Cecilia
C
Guarneri
Manuela
M
Maj
Mario
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012559:Schizophrenia; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires