Abstract

Objectives: The present study was designed with the aim of comparing the average burden and the source of burden (mental or objective) in caregivers of patients with chronic schizophrenia and caregivers of patients with chronic bipolar disorder.

Method: In a retrograde study, 50 caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and 50 caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder who had presented to the psychiatric clinic or Razi Psychiatric Centre during a 6 month period, were selected using convenience sampling. The subjects were then examined using Dermographic Characteristics Questionnaire And Caregivers’ Burden Measure. Data were analyzed using t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results: The level of burden in caregivers of patients with chronic schizo- phrenia was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of caregivers of patients with chronic bipolar disorder (35.5 versus 28.9). In addition, the important source of burden in both groups of caregivers was objective and significant in all levels (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Regarding the high level of burden in caregivers of patients with chronic schizophrenia in comparison with caregivers of patients with chronic bipolar disorder, identification, support and meeting the needs of these caregivers need a higher priority.