In the UK, half a million people care for people
with severe mental illnesses (Princess Royal Trust
for Carers 2002). This article reviews the findings
of a study of the views of 13 carers of people
self-identified as having schizophrenia on the nature
and extent of their role, and its effect on their
lives and identities. According to these findings,
carers experience stress and illness, and think
that the support they receive from professionals is
inadequate. As a result, they think that help and
psychotherapeutic interventions, such as family
therapy, should be more accessible.