Promoting Psychosocial Health of Family Caregivers of Patients with Chronic Mental Disorders: A Review of Challenges and Strategies

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the mental and social health challenges of family caregivers of the patients with chronic mental disorders (CMD) and strategies which can be helpful in this regard. This study is a narrative review conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Proquest, Magiran, and Sid databases where keywords such as Family caregiver, Chronic Mental disorder, Health Promotion, Program, Psychosocial, Support, Challenge, and Problem were searched in both Persian and English. A total of 5,745 published documents were found and were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 64 studies were found which had examined the related challenges, needs and strategies. According to the results, information deficits, needs for support, community participation deficits, and psychological suffering were recognized as challenges of family caregivers of these patients. Moreover, empowerments programs for the enhancement of the knowledge and skills of caregivers and peer-centered support programs were used to improve the level of mental and social health of family caregivers of these patients. Psychosocial problems and challenges that family caregivers of the patients with CMD face affect their health, satisfaction and quality of life. Using a collaborative approach, mental health service providers and government systems can help improve the psychosocial health of caregivers. The related managers and policymakers can reduce the emotional and psychological burden of families and promote their psychosocial health through developing a comprehensive program including practical objectives and strategies and taking into account the challenges that exist for caregivers in caring for patients with CMD.

Influence of Gratitude and Sense of Meaning in Life on Caregiving Self-Efficacy of Family Caregivers of Persons With Mental Illness

“…This increase in the burden and role of family caregivers is reported not only in Korea but also in other Western countries, and their problems related to patient care are believed to require global attention. 2,3…”

“…This increase in the burden and role of family caregivers is reported not only in Korea but also in other Western countries, and their problems related to patient care are believed to require global attention. 2,3 Families caring for patients with a chronic disease, such as persons with mental illness, can become vulnerable to mental health problems themselves due to the responsibility of patient care. In a previous study, the level of depression in families caring for older adults with impaired functionality was found to be clinically very serious, and subjective physical health status was below average.…”