Psychological symptoms in paid caregivers of dementia patients: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Determine symptoms, correlates, or predictors of depression and anxiety in paid caregivers of elderly persons with dementia.


METHODS
The 28 participants were paid caregivers of patients attending an adult day-care program for patients with Alzheimer disease. Each participant had a total score of 16+ or a score of 3+ on at least one item of the Problems and Complaints Inventory.


METHODS
PARTICIPANTS completed the Hamilton Depression (HAM-D) and Anxiety (HAM-A) scales and the Zarit Burden Interview. The total daily and weekly time that caregivers worked with their patients was recorded.


RESULTS
Severity of depression (HAM-D scores) was significantly related to Zarit Burden Interview scores (p<0.001). In addition, HAM-D scores tended to be related to the number of hours per week provided by a caregiver (p=0.09). Severity of anxiety (HAM-A scores) tended to be related to Zarit Burden Interview scores (p=0.08).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate the need to devise strategies for alleviating work-related symptoms in paid caregivers.
Drs. Brenner, Madhusoodanan, Brodsky, and Soberano are from the St. John's Episcopal Hospital, South Shore, New York; Ms. Shack and Ms. Nelson-Sasson are from the Neponsit Adult Day Care Program, New York; and Dr. Czobor is from 3DOV Pharmaceutical, New Jersey.
Ronald
R
Brenner
Subramoniam
S
Madhusoodanan
Ella
E
Brodsky
Wilfredo
W
Soberano
Maxine
M
Shack
Arlene
A
Nelson-Sasson
Paul
P
Czobor