Depression and Associated Factors among Caregivers of Patients with Severe Mental Illness

Background and Aim: Successful management of major mental illness in the community relies significantly on an informal or non-professional network of caregivers and their wellbeing. The family is major source of support of mentally ill patients. The needs and experiences of such caregivers have been little studied with respect to major mental disorders. Care of these patients leads to considerable amount of stress and frustration resulting in depression among caregivers. The aim of the present study was to identify the depression among caregivers of patients with severe mental illness and factors associated with Depression. Methods and Materials: A descriptive correlational design was used for the study. The sample comprised of 200 caregivers of patients (Schizophrenic patients – 59 and patients with affective disorders – 141) from psychiatric in patient and the outpatient clinic of Department of psychiatry, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal. Samples were selected using purposive sampling technique. Caregivers were screened for depression using 5 items – Center for Epidemiological studies- Depression scale (CES- D) through personal interview. Results: With regard to Prevalence of Depression among caregivers of Mentally ill patients, 42.5% of caregivers are depressed. In terms of factors associated with depression among caregivers, findings revealed that, Depressive scores were significantly higher in caregivers of female patients, Patients with low socio economic status (Monthly family income < 10000/), patients from rural background and schizophrenia. Caregivers who were illiterates had severe depression than the educated caregivers. Conclusion: Mental Health Professional play vital role in screening caregivers for depression, and implementing family intervention in order to reduce depression and cope effectively while taking care of the patients.