Evaluation of the effect of a psychoeducational program on the burden in informal caregivers of patients with schizophrenia

Introduction. Due to the change in the health care model for mental patients focused on the hospital to community care in recent decades, schizophrenic patients live with their families. This study aims to study the burden of family members or caregivers of schizophrenic patients before and after the application of a specific psychoeducational program for caregivers. Methods. A psychoeducational program aimed at three groups was conducted: a) relatives of patients with schizophrenia who received educational program; b) parents or relatives on a previous educational program themselves, and c) control group (not including either parents or patients who received educational programs). The Zarit scale was used to rate burden in the three groups before and after completing the educational program. Results. Application of the program was associated to a significant reduction of burden in the groups where it was provided compared with the control group that did not receive the program, independently of the treatment received for the patients. Conclusions. Evidence suggests that these programs should be included in the therapeutical strategies for patients with schizophrenia.