Burdens and difficulties experienced by caregivers of children and adolescents with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the burdens and difficulties associated with the experience of caring for youth with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.


METHODS
Ten caregivers participated in a modified version of the Knowledge about Schizophrenia Illness interview.


RESULTS
The most common areas of general difficulties reported by caregivers were emotional burdens and the everyday practical demands and sacrifices required in caring for their dependents. RESULTS also suggested high levels of burden for caregivers concerning difficulties with mental health services.


CONCLUSIONS
Additional work is needed to learn more about the challenges that caregivers of youth with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders are facing, as well as to develop empirically based strategies for helping these caregivers and their dependents.
Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA.
Jane
J
Knock
Emily
E
Kline
Jason
J
Schiffman
Ashley
A
Maynard
Gloria
G
Reeves
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006254:Hawaii; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult