A Qualitative Study Into Caregiving Experience of Unpaid Carers of People With Schizophrenia in Taiwan

This study explores carer burden by examining the caregiving experiences of unpaid carers of people with schizophrenia in Taiwan. The findings contextualise carers’ experiences within the framework of carer support policies. Insights were gathered from 30 carers through semistructured interviews, identifying six themes related to carer burden. Carers often blamed themselves for the schizophrenia diagnosis, believing it stemmed from poor parenting or a lack of early attention, whilst also facing devaluation of their caregiving contributions from family members and professionals. Recognising the permanence of schizophrenia triggered uncertainty about the future. Furthermore, the sacrifices made by carers for their relatives with schizophrenia not only affected their current lives but also created potential difficulties for their future. The toll on carers’ well-being included feeling trapped, self-withdrawal from interactions to avoid intrusive conversations and, in some cases, suicide attempts before their relative’s diagnosis. Support for carers should include a focus on long-term care planning for both care recipients and carers. Additionally, medical professionals play a critical role in referring carers to support centres in a timely manner to reduce suicide risks. Carers require their own independent needs assessment, which primarily considers the carers’ resources for caregiving.