Emotional burden and psychological morbidity in caregivers of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

Introduction:The objective of this study was to evaluate the emotional burden, psychological morbidity and level of family accommodation in caregivers of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients, according to sociodemographic and clinical factors.Method:Fifty Brazilian DSM-IV OCD patients and their caregivers were evaluated using the Family Accommodation Scale, the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), the Self Report Questionnaire (caregivers), the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory (patients).Results:Most caregivers (80%) were aged between 30 and 59 years-old and lived with the patient (88%). Forty-two percent presented a common mental disorder and their mean ZBI score was 28.9. Family accommodation was moderate in 26% and severe or very severe in 24%. Caregivers' levels of psychological morbidity, accommodation and emotional burden were associated with each other and with the severity of patient obsessive-compulsive and depressive symptoms.Conclusion:The results suggest that caregivers of OCD patients have important levels of burden and psychological morbidity and should receive orientation and support to minimize this emotional impact.