OVERLOAD OF CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH MENTAL DISORDERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.5582222219071

• Palavras-chave: Mental Health, Children, Mental Disorders, Covid-19, Caregivers, Overload.

• Keywords: Mental Health, Children, Mental Disorders, Covid-19, Caregivers, Overload.

• Abstract:

  The coronavirus pandemic brought significant changes in people's lives and, for caregivers of those with mental disorders, there was an increase in the burden. Goal: To analyze burden on caregivers of children with mental disorders. Method: a cross-sectional, descriptive study with caregivers of children aged four to 12 years in psychiatric outpatient follow-up, who answered questions and the Zarit Burden Interview.

   Results: Fifty caregivers participated, all women, 94% (n=47) mothers; 70% had their children's care suspended during the pandemic; for 46% the children's classes became online and 66% of the patients showed worsening of symptoms. The majority (90%) needed to intensify their activities as caregivers, showed irritability in the presence of the child (86%), perceived damage to their own health as a result of caring (76%), felt uncertainty about how to help the child ( 96%), believed they needed to “do more” for their child (84%) and felt increased overload during the pandemic (90%). Conclusions:  the pandemic has increased the difficulties of caregivers of children with mental disorders and health services must also offer care to caregivers. 

• Número de páginas: 15