title: Psychosocial care for the caregivers of primary malignant brain tumor patients.
abstract: Despite clinical experience that suggests a high burden of care among relatives of individuals with a primary malignant brain tumor (PMBT), little is known about their actual needs. In this study, the caregivers' personal experiences, quality of life, burden of care, and psychological well-being were examined. Fifty-nine percent did not receive any financial aid for home care, 33% had increased risk for psychosomatic problems, 45% had anxiety, and 33% increased depression levels. The caregiver's quality of life was most strongly affected by the burden of care (p < .001) and the patient's mental state (p < .03). To improve the situation, empathetic professionals and an early implementation of palliative care and social work are required.
authors: Interdisciplinary Center for Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany. maria.wasner@med.uni-muenchen.de
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Wasner
authors: Piret
authors: P
authors: Paal
authors: Gian Domenico
authors: GD
authors: Borasio
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001932:Brain Neoplasms; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D012947:Social Work; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control