This study assessed the feeling of being burdened caused when caring for adult schizophrenia patients, with the aim of learning about the objective and subjective burden, as well as describing the socio-economic condition of the participants. The data collection took place at a public Hospital, in Teresina city, Piauí state - Brazil. The sample consisted of 14 family members who care directly or indirectly for a schizophrenic patient. After analyzing the data, it was found that there is a similar objective and subjective overload in areas related to normal day-to-day care, supervision of behavioral problems, impact on daily routines and concerns with the patient. The caregivers almost always need to cover costs that have arisen in connection with the patient. Therefore, it is clear that mental health strategies are needed to enable support, guidance and preparation of families in the management of psychiatric patient care.
Schizophrenia; family; burden
