A Psychoeducational Intervention for Reducing Psychological Distress and Caregiver Burnout Among Family Caregivers of Individuals With Bipolar Disorder

Overview

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a structured psychoeducational intervention designed for family caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Family caregivers often experience high levels of psychological distress and caregiver burden due to the long-term demands of caregiving. The intervention is intended to improve caregivers' knowledge about Bipolar Disorder, enhance coping skills, promote self-care, and strengthen strategies for managing caregiving challenges. Psychological distress and caregiver burden will be assessed before and after the intervention using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22). The findings will help determine whether this intervention is feasible and beneficial for caregivers in the Pakistani context.

Bipolar Disorder is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by recurrent episodes of mania, hypomania, and depression. Family caregivers play a central role in supporting individuals with Bipolar Disorder; however, prolonged caregiving responsibilities often result in increased psychological distress, emotional exhaustion, and caregiver burden. In Pakistan, limited structured psychoeducational programs are available to support family caregivers despite their significant role in patient care. This study is a feasibility trial designed to examine the implementation and preliminary effectiveness of a structured psychoeducational intervention for family caregivers of individuals with Bipolar Disorder. The intervention consists of therapist-led sessions focusing on increasing caregivers' understanding of Bipolar Disorder, symptom recognition, treatment adherence, relapse prevention, communication skills, stress management, coping strategies, problem-solving, and self-care practices. Primary outcomes include psychological distress and caregiver burden, measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22), respectively. Participants will complete these measures before the intervention and after completing the psychoeducational program. The study will evaluate the feasibility of recruitment, participant retention, intervention delivery, and participant acceptability, while also examining preliminary changes in caregiver psychological distress and burden following the intervention. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of culturally appropriate caregiver support programs and provide evidence for integrating psychoeducational interventions into mental health services for families of individuals with Bipolar Disorder in Pakistan.