A Study of Burden and Quality of Life in Caregivers of Person with Severe Mental Illness

Several decades ago, people suffering from mental illness were admitted and treated in psychiatric institutes only. But recent advancement in medical science and increased awareness about mental illness resulted in decreased institutionalization. Now a day more and more family are directly involved in taking care of mentally ill patient with the help of community services and mental health professionals.This change highlights not only the relevance of emotions and affections within a family, but also the great amount of burden experienced by these relatives while taking care of a psychotic patient as well. Thus, "informal care" is playing a significant role in development and evaluation of health programs and policies (Clark and Drake 1994). The family provides not just practical help and personal care but also gives emotional support to the mentally ill relative.