Financial burden on spouses of patients suffering from schizophrenia, depression or anxiety disorder

The aim of this study was to compare financial burden of spouses, whose relative suffers from schizophrenia, depression or anxiety disorder. 151 spouses filled in the questionnaire about illness related expenses and financial loss. Additionally they estimate their subjective burden according to these experienced costs. Direct cash expenditures on behalf of the patients' illness were reported by 66 % spouses. In the sampling the amount of spent money did not differ statistically, however spouses of patients with anxiety disorder emphasised experiencing financial strain and described more often subjective economic disadvantages. Although most spouses of patients with psychiatric disorders experience illness related financial disadvantages, these costs were usually not considered as serious problem or as burdensome. Based on a subjective hierarchy of burdens financial problems can be regarded as less important for spouses of patients with mental illness. Thus, not only the material, but also the immaterial costs of care giving spouses should be taken into consideration when planning health policy decisions.