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Family burden in major depression: a multicentric survey in 30 italian mental health centres

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

A. Fiorillo ,
H.G. Del Vecchio ,
C. De Rosa ,
C. Malangone ,
V. Del Vecchio ,
D. Giacco ,
M. Luciano  and
M. Maj
A. Fiorillo
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
H.G. Del Vecchio
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
C. De Rosa
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
C. Malangone
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
V. Del Vecchio
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
D. Giacco
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
M. Luciano
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
M. Maj
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy

Abstract

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Introduction

Family burden, defined as the consequences for those in close contact with a severely disturbed psychiatric patient, is now well-documented in schizophrenia research, whereas very few data are available in affective disorders.

Aims

To explore:

  1. 1) the levels of family burden in a sample of key-relatives of patients with major depression;

  2. 2) the professional and social support for relatives of patients with major depression disorder.

Methods

324 patients with major depression and their key-relatives were randomly recruited in 30 Italian mental health centres, randomly selected and stratified by geographical area and population density. Family burden was explored in relation to:

  1. a) patient's clinical status and disability;

  2. b) relatives’ social and professional support.

Results

Reduction of leisure (53% of the sample) and social activities (44%) were the most frequently reported sources of practical burden, whereas psychological burden was mainly due to sense of loss (75%) and worries for the future (61%). Family burden is higher in key-relatives with a lower education level (p < .05), and when patients’ symptomatology and social functioning are more severe. Key-relatives who can rely on a stronger support from social network and from mental health professionals have lower levels of family burden (p < .05).

Conclusion

These results highlight the need to provide supportive interventions for patients with major depression and their key-relatives.

Type
P02-30
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 26 , Issue S2: Abstracts of the 19th European Congress of Psychiatry , March 2011 , pp. 625
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2011
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