Psychological distress, perceived stigma, and coping among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia

Nowadays, family members are gradually taking on the role of full-time caregivers for patients suffering from schizophrenia. The increasing burden and tasks of caretaking can cause them psychological distress such as depression or anxiety. The aim of this study was to measure the correlation between perceived stigma and coping, and psychological distress as well as determine the predictors of psychological distress among the caregivers. Results showed that 31.5% of the caregivers experienced psychological distress. "Community rejection" was found to be positively associated with psychological distress. In case of coping subscales, psychological distress had a positive correlation with substance use, use of emotional support, behavioral disengagement, venting, and self-blame, while it was negatively correlated with "positive reframing". Behavioral disengagement was the best predictor of psychological distress among caregivers of patients with schizophrenia, followed by positive reframing, use of emotional support, self-blame, and venting. Health practitioners can use adaptive coping strategies instead of maladaptive for caregivers to help ease their distress and prevent further deterioration of psychological disorders.
Study site: Psychiatric Clinic, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, PPUKM)
Scales & Questionnaire: Kessler’s K10
Psychological Distress Scale; Devaluation of Consumer Scale (DCS); Devaluation of Consumer Families Scale (DCFS); Brief COPE