Burden of care
Burden of care
The role of family caregiver is reported as a role of caregiver burden, stress, tension or distress. It is associated with problematic behaviors related to disease, stigma and dependence. In addition, family functioning, work, leisure time and financial situation are negatively affected. Consequently, caring for a person with eating disorder is often associated with physical problems, although it may also have positive and rewarding results for some caregivers.
Source: https://www.pexels.com
Source: https://www.pexels.com
Source: https://www.pexels.com
Eating disorders in adolescents have a major impact on parental experiences due to early age of onset, severity of symptoms, prolonged course of illness (6 to 7 years), and high psychiatric and somatic comorbidity. In addition to poorer quality of life and more psychological distress, family caregivers of patients with eating disorders report more caregiving difficulties (e.g. feeling ashamed or guilty) compared to parents with children without eating disorders. The emotional reactions of family caregivers to a person’s eating disorder, as well as their dysfunctional responses (overprotection and hostility) act as maintenance factors for eating disorders.
There are many factors that affect the perceived and actual burden of the caregiver’s role, including costs and interactions with services.
Helping the caregiver cope with the disease is an essential step.
Source: https://www.pexels.com