Satisfactory Levels of Functionality and Quality of Life in Caregivers of Patients with Bipolar Disorder: Is this Possible?

Abstract

Objectives: To measure the levels of functionality and QoL of caregivers of patients with BD, investigating the association between them, as well as the relationship with clinical and sociodemographic data of these caregivers.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2020 and 2022 with caregivers of patients with BD treated in an outpatient clinic of a university hospital. The following instruments were applied: Clinical and sociodemographic questionnaire, WHODAS 2.0, SF-36, MINI-PLUS, and SCID II.

Results: The median score on WHODAS 2.0 was less than 20. In SF-36, the medians found in its domains were above 60. Those who demonstrated greater functional impairment had lower QoL. Being younger, being a parent, having non-psychiatric clinical conditions, and having mental disorders were associated with worse QoL and lower functionality.

Conclusion: The results obtained indicate less functional impairment and a better perception of QoL when compared to literature data, demonstrating that there is a subgroup of caregivers who perform their caregiving role without significant compromise in these health aspects. Exploring other factors associated with functionality and QoL, such as resilience, the presence of psychological support, or others, may allow for better targeting of public health interventions, optimizing comprehensive bidirectional care for patients and caregivers.