Subjective burden on carers of patients with neurological problems as a consequence of precise objective symptoms (objective burden)

Abstract

Carers of patients with neurological problems (n = 27) were interviewed four to nine and 12-18 months post-onset to assess objective burden (number and severity of post-onset symptoms as perceived by the carer) and subjective burden on them. Patients were reported to manifest a variety of physical, emotional, behavioural and cognitive problems at both assessment times. The carers' subjective burden was associated with objective symptoms, and the number of objective symptoms which related to carers' subjective burden increased over time. It was concluded that, although carers' burden was related to both psychological and physical symptoms, their burden was predicted more by psychological problems such as behavioural problems, emotional disturbances and subjective symptoms.