Quality of Life and Caregiver Burden in Adult ADHD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Personality Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Psychiatric disorders negatively affect patients’ quality of life (QoL) and increase caregiver burden. To compare QoL among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (aADHD), and personality disorders (PD), and to assess caregiver burden in these groups. This cross-sectional study included 240 patients (80 per diagnostic group) and their caregivers. Diagnoses were based on DSM-5-TR criteria; aADHD was confirmed with the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale and DIVA 2.0. QoL was assessed with WHOQOL-BREF, and caregiver burden with the Zarit Burden Interview. Data were analyzed using SPSS v22. QoL was highest in aADHD (73.11 ± 7.50) and lowest in MDD (54.81 ± 13.60; p < 0.0001). Caregiver burden was highest among PD caregivers (59.53 ± 9.45) and lowest in aADHD caregivers (12.46 ± 6.18; p < 0.0001). Higher burden was linked to lower caregiver education (p = 0.037), unemployment (p = 0.022), and low income (p < 0.001). In MDD, caregiver burden was higher when patients had higher education (p = 0.045) or poor treatment adherence (p = 0.016). Male PD patients were associated with greater caregiver burden (p = 0.040). Frequent hospitalizations predicted lower QoL in MDD (p = 0.006). Patient QoL and caregiver burden were inversely correlated (r = –0.204, p = 0.001). QoL and caregiver burden differ by diagnosis. Socioeconomic factors strongly influence caregiver burden. Targeted, family-centered interventions are needed to improve outcomes.