Challenges of Family Caregivers of Patients With Mental Disorders in Iran: A Narrative Review Publisher

Summary: Review finds caregivers of mental health patients face stigma and burnout. How can support improve? #CaregiverChallenges #MentalHealth

Akbari M¹ ; Alavi M² ; Irajpour A² ; Maghsoudi J²
Source: Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research Published:2018

Abstract

Background: Family caregivers of patients with mental disorders play the most important role in the care of psychiatric patients (PPs) and preventing their readmission. These caregivers face different challenges in different cultures. We conducted this study to determine the challenges of caregivers of patients with mental disorders in Iran. Materials and Methods: This study is a narrative review with a matrix approach conducted by searching electronic databases, SID, IRANMEDEX, MAGIRAN, PUBMED, SCOPUS, Web of Sciences, from February 2000 to 2017. Searched keywords include challenges, family caregivers of psychiatric patient, family caregivers and psychiatric patient, mental illness, families of psychiatric patient, and Iran. One thousand two hundred articles were found in English and Farsi, and considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, 39 articles were examined. Results: The results of the studies show that not meeting the needs of caregivers, burnout and high burden of care, high social stigma, low social support for caregivers, and low quality of life of caregivers were among the most important challenges faced by caregivers. Conclusions: Despite the efforts of authorities in Iran, family caregivers of patients with mental disorders still face challenges. Therefore, the need for all-inclusive support for family caregivers of patients with mental health problems is necessary. © 2018 Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research | Published by Wolters Kluwer-Medknow.