Similar to the parents in our study, Dore & Romans
(2001) found that caregivers of clients with bipolar disorder
appeared emotionally committed to the clients and showed
considerable tolerance of problem behaviours. However, a
number of studies have identified the burden associated with
the caregiving role. van der Voort et al. (2007) found that
the degree of burden experienced was influenced by illness
beliefs and that high burden was associated with greater
severity of symptoms, difficulties in the relationship with
patient, lack of support and stigma. Perlick et al. (2007)
found that the burdens experienced by family caregivers of
people with bipolar disorder are associated with problems in
health, mental health and cost, and they suggest that psychosocial
interventions targeting the strains of caregiving
for a patient with bipolar disorder are needed. Maskill et al.
(2010) have identified that the support role was a source of
both burden and benefit for caregivers.