Caregiver perceptions and needs regarding symptom attenuation in severe and persistent mental illness.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the experience of caretakers who are coping with treated yet impaired mentally ill family members. Needs of the caretaker were described and areas for intervention were identified.


METHODS
This qualitative study used the symbolic interaction paradigm of dramaturgical interviewing. Thirty-five caretakers participated in a 1.5- to 2-hr semistructured interview.


RESULTS
Themes related to long-term effects of positive and negative symptoms and issues about accountability, responsibility, and planning for the future were most prominent.


CONCLUSIONS
Areas of intervention were identified as recognition and management of negative symptoms and counseling related to issues of accountability, responsibility, and future planning.
Muhlbauer
Susan
S
University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA. smuhlbau@unmc.edu
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States