THE BURDEN EXPERIENCED BY RELATIVES OF MENTALLY-ILL PERSONS

This study aimed at the systematic assessment of the burden imposed on the relatives of mentally ill persons. A postal survey was carried ou t on a sample drawn from the members of the Federal Association of Rel atives of the Mentally ILL (n = 557). Results: Almost one third of tho se questioned experienced the care for their relatives as a heavy burd en, a further third said that the burden was moderate. Among the negat ive consequences, health impairment was cited most often. Two-thirds o f the participants reported constraints on their everyday life and the organisation of their leisure time. A (partly considerable) financial burden was cited with similar frequency. Further, the illness had a n egative impact on the personal relationships of the caregivers. A quar ter of the sample had lost touch with other family members. The same w as found with regard to contact with friends. One-third reported discr imination by their environment. Conclusions: The results emphasize the necessity of creating opportunities to relieve some of the burden on relatives.