The psychological consequences on the caregivers taking care of mentally ill patients are well known; however, little evidence exists as to whether taking care of a mentally ill patient affects the physical health of the caregiver.

To examine the effect of caregiving on emotional and physical health.

To study the association between caregiving for mentally ill and physical illness.

One hundred twenty-eight caregivers, relatives of patients suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, who were hospitalized consecutively during the past three years (2011–2013), and 117 controls completed over telephone a structured questionnaire. Eligible patients were all those with duration of illness more than 5 yrs. Data included demographics and detailed information about past or present mental and/or physical illness. Data were analyzed using the Pearson's chi-square test and multivariate binary regression controlling for BMI, age, sex, and smoking.

Significant correlation was found between caregiving and anxiety (OR=4,1, p<0,0001), depression (OR=3,5 p=0,03), sleep disturbances (OR=2,6, p=0,05), arthritis (OR=2,5, p=0,03), rheumatopathy (OR=2,8, p=0.09) and allergies (OR=2,5, p=0,09). The association of caregiving with allergies/ arthritis was independent of anxiety and depression. No correlation was found with diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

The stress of taking care of a mentally ill patient appears to affect physical health, specifically increasing the risk for autoimmune disorders (allergy, arthritis), independently of anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances.