Carers abused by mentally ill relatives
19 July 2002
It is not unusual for carers to suffer physical and verbal abuse from their mentally ill relatives, Australian researchers confirm.
And relatives suffering abuse were more likely than other carers to have emotional distress, the researchers wrote in the International Journal of Social Psychiatry (2002; 48: 149-55).
The researchers interviewed the carers of 101 people with a severe mental illness attending a Melbourne community mental health service.
They said abuse was likely when there was a poor relationship between patients and families, and when the patient had a history of poly-drug abuse or criminal offences.
Last Reviewed: 23 July 2002
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 19/7/02
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