Mental and physical health of caregiving spouses: development of a causal model
Article Abstract:
Researchers have demonstrated that there is a strong association between physical and mental health in the general population as well as in caregivers of the elderly. Some studies have shown that psychological disorders follow the development of physical disease, while other studies have reported the opposite effect. Caregivers are under a great deal of stress, and may develop both mental and physical dysfunctions. The frequency of emotional problems, such as depression, may differ relative to the gender of the caregiver. The cause and effect relation between physical disorders and depression was examined in a study of 315 people, who were caregivers to spouses with Alzheimer's disease. The results indicate that depression can be used to predict declines in physical health over a six-month period. Similar to other studies, these findings support the notion that good mental health may prolong physical health. Depression (among caregivers) could be used as an indicator of the caregiver's burden of care. Both temporary episodes and chronic depression were observed in caregivers. The results suggest that caregivers tend to wear out, with depression leaving people vulnerable to physical disorders. Physical illness may also occur because caregivers fail to take proper care of themselves, for example in eating or seeking medical care. Another contributing factor may involve changes in immune functions; the immune system is affected when people experience emotional stress, such as grief. When only male caregivers were considered, the relation between depression and physical health was not apparent, but only a small number of male caregivers were evaluated in this study. Further research may clarify the relation between mental and physical health among caregivers, and provide support for the importance of treating depressed caregivers. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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Psychiatric and physical morbidity effects of caregiving
Article Abstract:
People who provide informal (unpaid) care to disabled relatives and friends often experience emotional, physical, financial, and familial strain. The actual burdens of caregiving have been well-studied. However, until recently, little attention was focused on the long-term consequences of caregiving. This article reviews the emotional and physical effects resulting from caregiving, and notes some of the dysfunctions and illnesses reported among caregivers. Commentary is offered concerning the research techniques employed in some of these studies. Some reports have suggested that female caregivers tend to be more depressed than males, and that the extent of depression may be related to the patient's degree of impairment. Hostility and anxiety have also been evaluated among caregivers. However, caregivers offered to participate in some of these research studies, and may therefore represent the more distressed members of the caregiver group. Caregivers seem to report more physical illness, and may have less effective immune function. Again, the selection of caregivers may have contributed to these conclusions. The benefits of caregiving have also been described: a better sense of self-worth; improved relationships between caregivers and the recipients of care; and the experience of companionship through the caregiving process. Further research is needed to objectively measure the health of caregivers, and randomness in selecting caregivers to participate in research studies is essential. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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Pain, activity restriction and symptoms of depression among community-residing elderly adults
Article Abstract:
The impact of physical illness and functional disability on the association between pain and symptoms of depression in a sample of community-residing older adults was studied using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale, a summary of their physical and neurological status and a self-reported activity restriction and pain questionnaire. Statistical analyses showed that higher levels of depression were related to severity of pain, physical illness and functional impairment in community-residing older adults. These findings may be used in considering pain and activity restriction in treating depressed older adults.
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1992
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