Quality of Life in Family Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review

Care for schizophrenia patients over the past few decades has shifted from inpatient treatment in mental institutions towards outpatient treatment options. While this has the potential to allow patients a more regular life with the ability to work and socialize, it has increased the burden on family caregivers. This state-of-the-art narrative review summarizes the most important factors, besides the clinical symptoms of schizophrenia, that impact the quality of life of caregivers negatively. These factors include the impact of the disease on household income and socioeconomic status, anxiety, stigma, negative changes in family dynamics as well as an overall reduction of social and family contacts.