The Impact of Coping Strategies on Burden of Care in Chronic Schizophrenic Patients and Caregivers of Chronic Bipolar Patients

Objectives: One of the principle of mental health programs is burden and coping of caregivers of chronically mental disorders patients. In this regard, the aim of present study was to measure the amount of burden and relationship between burden and their coping strategies of caregivers. Methods: One hundred of main caregivers of patients (50 schizophrenic patients, 50 bipolar patients) from both Razi psychiatric hospital and clinic were enrolled to the study. The instruments were FBIS (Family Burden Interview Schedule) as well as Weintraub coping strategies check list (COPE). Chisquare, Pearson correlation coefficient and t-test were used for data analysis. Results: The study showed that the mean of burden in caregivers of chronic schizophrenic patients was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of bipolar patients (35.5 vs. 28.9). There was inverse correlation (but not statistically meaningful) between burden and problem focused coping strategy. Discussion: There was also a direct correlation between burden and emotional-oriented and less benefit and not effective coping strategies, but was not meaningful. Regarding the higher burden in caregivers of chronic schizophrenic patients, social support and offering health services to them seems to be necessary. Training of caregivers for problem-focused copings can also reduce the burden.