Psychological morbidity in caregivers is associated with depression in patients with dementia.
The relationship between psychological morbidity in caregivers and depression in patients with dementia was examined using data collected on 193 patient-caregiver dyads attending a memory disorders clinic. Caregivers had high rates and levels of psychological morbidity which were associated with the severity of dementia (but neither the type nor duration), with the caregiver being a spouse and female and living with the person with dementia. A logistic regression analysis identified clinician-rated patient depression score and demanding problem behaviors as being independently and significantly associated with caregiver psychological morbidity. This new finding of a link between patient depression and caregiver psychological morbidity has implications for more focused treatment programs for both caregivers and patients.
Brodaty
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Academic Department of Psychogeriatrics, Prince Henry Hospital, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. research.adpg@unsw.edu.au
Luscombe
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G
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000523:psychology; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D003858:Dependency, Psychological; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology