P02-30 - Family burden in major depression: a multicentric survey in 30 italian mental health centres

Abstract

IntroductionFamily burden, defined as the consequences for those in close contact with a severely disturbed psychiatric patient, is now well-documented in schizophrenia research, whereas very few data are available in affective disorders.AimsTo explore:1)the levels of family burden in a sample of key-relatives of patients with major depression;2)the professional and social support for relatives of patients with major depression disorder.Methods324 patients with major depression and their key-relatives were randomly recruited in 30 Italian mental health centres, randomly selected and stratified by geographical area and population density. Family burden was explored in relation to:a)patient's clinical status and disability;b)relatives’ social and professional support.ResultsReduction of leisure (53% of the sample) and social activities (44%) were the most frequently reported sources of practical burden, whereas psychological burden was mainly due to sense of loss (75%) and worries for the future (61%). Family burden is higher in key-relatives with a lower education level (p < .05), and when patients’ symptomatology and social functioning are more severe. Key-relatives who can rely on a stronger support from social network and from mental health professionals have lower levels of family burden (p < .05).ConclusionThese results highlight the need to provide supportive interventions for patients with major depression and their key-relatives.