Carer burden when providing care for a person with a chronic disease illustrated with the example of multiple sclerosis

Introduction:
As a chronic disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex experience affecting various spheres of the patient's and carer's lives. The decision to take on the role of a carer involves a conscious assumption of new responsibilities, a change of life plans, and providing ongoing care for a chronically ill person can lead to a burden that implies problems in terms of mental, physical or social functioning.

Aim:
The aim of this study was to characterise the dimensions of the burden of a carer resulting from caring for a person with multiple sclerosis.

Overview:
Carer burden is defined as the problems of the carer reflected in the physical, mental and social spheres. Carers experience somatic complaints, emotional disturbances, limitations in social life and a lack of opportunities for self-realisation and plans.

Conclusions:
Caring for a multiple sclerosis patient as a long-term and dynamically changing stressor leads to a carer burden. MS, as a chronic disease, is characterised by periods of remission and exacerbations that require varying degrees of carer involvement.