Overload of caregivers of children or adolescents suffering from mental disorder in the city of Maringá, Paraná^*

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To identify the burden of caregivers of children and adolescents suffering from mental disorder.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory, and quantitative study, conducted with 82 caregivers/family members of children and adolescents treated at the Children Psychosocial Care Center in the city of Maringa, Parana, Brazil. Data collection was conducted from December 2012 to July 2013, and used the Overload Scale for Family Members of Psychiatric Patients, as well as a socio-demographic questionnaire were used.

Results:

A high objective overload related to assistance in daily activities such as supervision over the administration of drugs, and high subjective overload resulting from contact with problematic behaviors.

Conclusion:

In this context it is essential to link the family in care actions provided in health services, requiring that professionals act aiming to enhance the strengths of the family that lives with these children and adolescents, solving doubts and being supportive to the family in terms of the difficulties that arise in the interaction.

Keywords:
Mental Health; Caregivers; Family; Community Health Services