Objective: To describe predictors of depression and anxiety in caregivers of neurological patients.
Methods: To a sample of 145 caregivers, from the outpatient clinic of the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, sociodemographic variables were collected and the following questionnaires were applied: Ways of Coping with Stress of Lazarus and Folkman, Zarit Burden Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Additionally, Activities of Daily Living were assessed in patients.
Results: 97% of caregivers were provided by the informal system, usually a woman (82%) with an average age of 47.7 ± 15.1, house-wife (60%) and close relative of the sick person (78% . They suffer from a current illness (48%) and 62% presented the condition after caregiving. The regression model for anxiety included: negative impact, cognitive distancing, patient age and caregiver education. The depression model included: negative impact, caregiver education and cognitive distancing. Both explained 37% of variance.
Conclusions: Anxiety and depression depend on the skills and resources of the caregiver, the burden and impact of the disease. These correlate with physical, mental and socioeconomic issues that affect social relationships, intimacy and freedom of the caregiver.
