[Minor relatives of schizophrenia patients: burden and needs].

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to investigate the burden of minor relatives of schizophrenia patients and of the needs for support for the relatives.

METHODS

135 relatives of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders were assessed by using the "Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire" and the "Carers' Needs Assessment for Schizophrenia".

RESULTS

24.4% of the total sample (N=33) had minor (i.e. below 18 years) siblings (N=18) or children (N=15). If the patient had minor siblings, almost the half of the adult relatives reported moderate or severe problems. However, among those patients who had to take care for minor children, only a fifth reported moderate or severe problems. Among the patients' offsprings being under the age of 16 behavioural disturbances, reduced appetite and other consequences of the disease were reported frequently.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders often have minor relatives in their family frequently suffering from marked burden.