Prevalence of depression in family caregivers

Gerontologist. 1989 Aug;29(4):449-56. doi: 10.1093/geront/29.4.449.

Abstract

Family caregivers who sought help to increase their coping skills (N = 158) and caregivers who volunteered for a longitudinal study of Alzheimer's disease (N = 58) were screened for depression. Among help-seekers, 46% had depression according to Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC), but among non-help-seekers, only 18% met this criterion. In general, women were more depressed than men, but no major differences in the extent of depression were found in those who cared for more impaired persons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / nursing*
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Depression / diagnosis*
  • Depression / etiology
  • Family
  • Female
  • Home Nursing
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychological Tests