Differences According to Recruitment Method in Subjects who Care for a Relative with Schizophrenia

Abstract

With growing emphasis on community mental health care, there is increased research interest in the needs of people who care for a relative suffering from chronic mental illness. This methodological note examines the differences between two samples of caregivers for schizophrenia sufferers. The two samples were recruited by different methods from different sources: one a mail survey of a self-help group and the other through patients at psychiatric hospitals and outreach clinics. Differences were minimal and recruitment through self-help groups is advocated as the more cost effective method.