Caregiver status: a potential risk factor for extreme self-neglect.
BACKGROUND
Family caregivers are known to be at risk for physical illness and emotional distress caused by the extreme demands of the caregiving task.


OBJECTIVE
The authors present the case of a middle-aged, well-educated woman with advanced endometrial cancer, the symptoms of which she had ignored over an extended period of time because of her family obligations.


METHODS
The patient was treated with systemic chemotherapy and was evaluated for depression and subsequent delirium.


RESULTS
The patient was informed about her poor prognosis and was transferred to a skilled nursing facility.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors conclude that the caretaking responsibility, along with a low-grade depression, contributed to her delayed presentation and treatment.
Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, TUH-Episcopal Campus, Temple Univ. School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19125, USA.
Natalia
N
Ortiz
Ruth
R
Lamdan
Shaneek
S
Johnson
Aiham
A
Korbage
D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care