The pattern of burden in families of neurotic patients.

The pattern of burden in 90 families with a neurotic patient, 30 each with dysthymia, generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder was evaluated in this study. Burden was chiefly felt in four principal areas; financial burden, disruption of family routine, disruption of family leisure and family interactions. This pattern was similar among the three study groups. Analysis of problems perceived as burdensome demonstrated an increased concern among relatives regarding routine household matters, restricted leisure and ill effects of the patient's illness on the family atmosphere. Burden was significantly greater in cases of married patients, married relatives, housewives and employed patients. Such data, it is hoped, will help provide guidelines along which an enquiry into different aspects of burden can be conducted.