Stress and health of informal carers of people with chronic mental disorders

Abstract

A survey of 48 informal carers of patients suffering from disability associated with major mental disorders examined their stress levels an physical and mental health. Although caregiving appeared to account for half the stress in the carers' lives, the prevalence of major mental and physical health problems among carers was unremarkable. It is postulated that the comprehensive support provided by a home-based mental health service that routinely employed carer-based stress management strategies may have contributed to these findings.