Coexistence of family caregiver to the person with mental disorder

Authors

  • Ana Carolina Ramos Defensoria Pública do Estado de São Paulo
  • Sandra Leal Calais Universidade Estadual Paulista
  • Marina Cristina Zotesso Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4013/ctc.2019.121.12

Abstract

For a long time, family members were aloof from caring for the mentally ill. With the psychiatric reform, new measures favor the treatment of the mentally ill in society and the family has great responsibilities in the care of this population. The present study interviewed 25 caregivers aged over 18 years of age who had parental relationships with a person with mental disorder, from a public health service, with the objective to present their experiences and perceptions on mental illness and how they deal with the sick family member. A sociodemographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were applied. It was identified that caregivers have great difficulties in understanding what mental illness is and in reconciling personal life with care for the family with mental disorder. We also evidenced different ways in which family members deal with the person’s illness. Exacerbated control of patients' behaviors is very frequent when attempting to protect, which in turns compromises their autonomy and overloads the caregiver.

Keywords: mental illness; caregiver; coping strategies.

Author Biographies

Ana Carolina Ramos, Defensoria Pública do Estado de São Paulo

Psicóloga da Defensoria Pública do Estado de São Paulo, Especialista em Psicologia Clínica

Sandra Leal Calais, Universidade Estadual Paulista

Docente do curso de Psicologia e do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia do Desenvolvimento e Aprendizagem da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade Estadual Paulista cãmpus Bauru.

Marina Cristina Zotesso, Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP

Doutoranda do programa de pós-graduação em Psicologia do Desenvolvimento e Aprendizagem - Faculdade de Ciências UNESP Bauru

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Published

2019-04-08

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2019): Jan-Apr

Section

Articles

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