Psychiatric patients in stable condition can make reliable judgments of QOL, with relatives providing additional information. Differences in QOL and concordance of ratings reflect disease severity.

Caregivers who are women, parents, and sick seemed relatively vulnerable and need assistance. Their areas of dissatisfaction with material circumstances should be addressed in a social welfare program. Caregivers' inner strengths, extended family supports, and positive appreciation of the patients are resources for enhancing their caregiving role.