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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 9/2008

01-09-2008 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Clinical correlates of the caregiving experience for Chinese caregivers of patients with schizophrenia

Authors: Victoria Wing Kay Tang, MRCPsych (UK), Siu Kau Leung, MRCPsych (UK), FHKCPsych, FHKAM (Psychiatry), Linda Chiu-Wa Lam, MRCPsych (UK), FHKCPsych, FHKAM (Psychiatry)

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 9/2008

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Abstract

Objective

To assess the correlation between clinical characteristics and the caregiving experience of caregivers of patients with schizophrenia.

Patients and methods

Two hundred and one patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers were recruited from a psychiatric clinic. The involvement evaluation questionnaire (IEQ) and the general health questionnaire (GHQ) were administered to the caregivers. The patients were assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview, the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) and the global assessment of functioning scale (GAF). Correlation analysis and regression analysis was performed to identify the best predictors of caregiver stress.

Results

The most important clinical predictor of caregiver stress as assessed using IEQ was the GAF, followed by PANSS-Pos and Neg scores and admission. Positive symptoms contributed more to overall caregiver stress than negative symptoms.

Discussion

Both symptom severity and patient function were important factors in the caregiver experience. Treatment should aim not only to reduce symptoms but also maximize function. Service planning should include psychosocial intervention involving caregivers.
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Metadata
Title
Clinical correlates of the caregiving experience for Chinese caregivers of patients with schizophrenia
Authors
Victoria Wing Kay Tang, MRCPsych (UK)
Siu Kau Leung, MRCPsych (UK), FHKCPsych, FHKAM (Psychiatry)
Linda Chiu-Wa Lam, MRCPsych (UK), FHKCPsych, FHKAM (Psychiatry)
Publication date
01-09-2008
Publisher
D. Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 9/2008
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-008-0357-6

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