The forgotten caregivers: Siblings of schizophrenic patients

Abstract

Objective. The situation of caregivers of psychiatric patients is mostly focussed on burdens of parents or spouses of patients. The burden of siblings due to the illness, however, is mostly underestimated and disregarded. Methods. Thirty-seven narrative interviews with siblings of schizophrenia inpatients were analysed by using a summarizing content analysis. The founded global statements were quantitatively analysed. Regression-analysis as well as regression trees were used to evaluate the data linked with sociodemographic and disease-related variables of the patient and siblings. Results. The results showed a high proportion of siblings engaged in caregiving activities. A total of 492 individual statements were summarized in 26 global types of statements. The three most often reported burdens by the healthy siblings are: "Handling the symptoms of illness" (100%), "Emotional burden due to the illness of the sibling" (100%) and "Uncertainty in judging what amount of stress the patient can cope with" (81.1%). Linear regression and regression tree analysis show predictors for higher burdened siblings. Conclusion. Siblings of schizophrenia patients are burdened in various aspects and in a specific matter. Their special needs will therefore have to be recognised before they can receive appropriate intervention.

Impact of Patients’ Psychiatric Hospitalization on Caregivers: A Systematic Review

“…Qualitative interviews with caregivers of adults revealed caregivers felt isolated and confused when dealing with mental health professionals (10). Further, caregivers of adults hospitalized for the first time reported experiencing disbelief and shame (11). In one study, 32 caregivers of adult patients with bipolar affective disorder reported feeling helpless, hopeless, and confused about the patient’s behavior.…”

“…In one study, 32 caregivers of adult patients with bipolar affective disorder reported feeling helpless, hopeless, and confused about the patient’s behavior. In a study of 37 sibling-caregivers of adults with schizophrenia, siblings reported experiencing psychological distress due to the illness and patients’ management of the illness (11). …”

“…Six studies examined caregiver-adult patient relationships (8, 11, 12, 22, 24, 29–31) and another examined changes in caregivers’ relationships with others following hospitalization (24). Using data collected two years after the patient was discharged, 90% of caregivers felt their relationship with the patient was distant (22).…”

“…Four studies reported the hospitalization had a positive impact on the caregivers (11, 22, 32, 33). Caregivers reported caregiving was rewarding (32) or improved relationships when the patient was doing better (22).…”

“…And I’m more nurturing than I used to be – I take more care of him and listen more” (22). Similarly, in the narratives of sibling-caregivers of patients with schizophrenia, siblings reported a “deeper bond with the sibling,” a “more intense bond among family members,” and other positive outcomes (11). Further, siblings reported that their experience with the patient often shaped their choice to work in the social sector.…”