A BSTRACT Background: The impact of psychiatric illnesses extends beyond the individual and affects not only the patient but their caregivers as well. The caregiver burden is a complex and multifaceted issue that arises when individuals take on the responsibility of caring for a loved one with physical or mental health challenges. Caregivers face many challenges that come with their caregiving responsibilities, including their mental health struggles, stress, burden of care, and affiliate stigma. How these challenges are tackled can be dictated by the extent of care they need to provide and their inherent coping styles. By recognizing and addressing the mental health needs of primary caregivers, we can improve overall outcomes for individuals with psychiatric illnesses and create a more supportive environment for those providing care. Aim: To assess psychiatric morbidity in primary caregivers of psychiatric patients. Materials and Methods: 153 primary caregivers of psychiatric patients were assessed after obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent using a sociodemographic proforma, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), Brief COPE, Zarit Burden Interview, and Affiliate Stigma Scale. The study was conducted from 1 st December 2022 to 31 st May 2024. Results: Strong positive correlations were found between depression, anxiety, stress, and the three major coping styles, i.e. problem-focused, emotional and avoidant coping, caregiver burden, and affiliate stigma experienced by the caregivers of psychiatric patients. These findings also influenced the tendency for caregivers to be diagnosed with psychiatric illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Conclusion: Psychiatric morbidity is common among caregivers of psychiatric patients. Caregivers are riddled with high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and burden of care. The use of a mix of both positive and negative coping strategies, as well as the high burden of care and affiliate stigma, brings to light the lacunae in caregiving skills and adequate psychoeducation of the caregiver.
Mushthi et al. (Sat,) studied this question.