Stigmatization and family burden of caregivers of patients with psychotic disorders

Indroduction and Aim: Observed family burden and internalized stigma tendencies in the families of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders emerge as factors that can significantly impact the psychological well-being of caregivers. These adverse effects can poison the family atmosphere, indirectly affecting the treatment adherence, functionality, and course of illness of individuals with psychosis. These factors play a critical role in the assessment of coping with psychotic illness. This study aims to investigate the likelihood of increased perceived family burden leading to elevated levels of self-stigmatization. Additionally, based on the results of this study, it aims to provide recommendations for interventions to reduce family burden and decrease levels of self-stigmatization. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 87 relatives of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorder who were followed up in the Community Mental Health Center of Hitit University Erol Olçok Training and Research Hospital and met the inclusion criteria. The our study was conducted with a cross-sectional and quantitative method. In addition to the Informed Consent Form obtained from the participants, Sociodemographic Data Form, Self-Stigma Scale - Family (SDS-Family) and Perceived Family Burden Scale (PFLS) were applied. The collected data were analyzed with IBM SPSS 22 package program using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Among the relatives of the patients included in the study, 66.7% (58 people) were female and 33.3% (29 people) were male. Among the patients, 26.4% (23 people) were female and 73.6% (64 people) were male. When the diagnoses of the patients were analyzed, 64.4% (56 patients) were diagnosed with schizophrenia, 21.8% (19 patients) with schizoaffective disorder and 13.8% (12 patients) with atypical psychosis. The mean duration of illness was found to be approximately 19.28. Duration of illness, age and education level of the patient's relatives were found to be significantly associated with the Self-Stigma Scale-A. The number of people in the household, the level of meeting the daily needs of the patient, the level of education and VII the presence of social support were significantly associated with the Perceived Family Burden Scale. While the total score of the self-stigmatization scale of the patient's relatives was 25.66 on average, the total score of the Perceived Family Burden Scale was 27.97. A weak positive correlation was found between the Perceived Family Burden Scale and the Self-Stigma Scale-Family total score (p:0.002), perception of worthlessness (p:0.007) and social withdrawal (p:0.001) sub-dimensions. However, no significant correlation was found between the PFAS and the concealment of the illness sub-dimension of the CSQ-A (p:0.297). Discussion-Conclusion: A relationship was found between the Perceived Family Burden Scale and the Self-Stigma Scale-Family total score and its sub dimensions, particularly in the dimensions of worthlessness and social withdrawal. These findings highlight the mutual interaction between family burden and stigmatization. However, no significant relationship was observed between the PFB Scale and the SSF-Family sub-dimension of concealing the illness. This can be explained by the fact that the patients have had a diagnosis of psychotic disorder for many years, and their condition is already known to their surroundings. It is possible to conclude that the participants in the study have been dealing with psychotic disorder for an extended period, and this condition has become chronic. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare professionals to implement interventions aimed at reducing family burden and stigmatization for the relatives of psychotic disorder patients. Considering these factors and addressing them in the management of chronic psychotic disorders are crucial. Keywords: Stigma , perceived family burden , psychotic disorders