Lehan
et al. Distress
associated with patients' symptoms and depression in a sample of Mexican
caregivers of individuals with MS. Rehabil Psychol. 2012 Nov;57(4):301-7. doi: 10.1037/a0030764.
Purpose/Objective:
The objectives of this quantitative correlational study were to: (a)
determine the frequency and level of distress associated with patients'
symptoms as reported by caregivers of individuals with multiple
sclerosis (MS), (b) determine the prevalence of depression in these
caregivers, and (c) examine the relationship between these caregivers'
total symptom distress and depression after controlling for patient,
caregiver, and illness characteristics.
Method/Design: In this quantitative correlational study, data from 79 caregivers of individuals with MS in Mexico were analyzed.
Results:
The patient symptoms with the highest average level of distress for
caregivers were depression, difficulty talking, difficulty hearing,
becoming upset easily, and upsetting other people. Patient symptoms with
the lowest average level of distress for caregivers included difficulty
learning, seizures, trouble reading, difficulty eating, and difficulty
writing. Forty percent of the caregivers met the criteria for probable
major depressive disorder. Results showed that caregiver total symptom distress was significantly related
to caregiver depression, after controlling for patient marital status,
caregiver gender, caregiver relationship to patient, caregiver current
employment, and months spent caregiving.
Conclusions:
These findings have implications for MS patients and caregivers as well
as larger society, as depression in caregivers often results in the
institutionalization of individuals with chronic illnesses and
disabilities, which is costly for both individuals and society. In
addition, there might be increased expenditures associated with the
caregivers' own declining health. For these reasons, it is important to
develop a better understanding of its risk factors to identify
caregivers who might benefit from intervention.
This is a further indication that the cost of MS is not just the effect on the MSer. It is a shame that NICE does not take this into account when assessing the real value of expensive MS drugs. Obviously seek medical advise if you are your caregiver are feeling depressed.