Caregiver Depression

 Researchers have indicated high levels of depression associated with stroke

survivor caregivers compared to non-caregivers [4]. The prevalence of depression in the

caregiving population ranges from 34% to as high as 52% [196-199]. Spousal and female

caregivers have demonstrated increased depression which tends to persist over long

periods of time [200].

 A Japanese study demonstrated depression in 52% of 100 stroke caregivers, this

was double the depression rate for the control group (23%) [201]. Hartke and King found

that depressed caregivers were more likely to have difficulty with caregiving, report more

problems with the care recipient, experience financial concerns, and report a decrease in

social involvement [202]. Researchers have found a relationship between increased

stroke caregiver depression and increased stroke severity [203, 204]. Kotila et al

compared the incidence and severity of depression at 3 and 12 months post-stroke [205].

Both stroke survivors and their caregivers demonstrated increased levels of depression

which were maintained at the one-year follow up.

Caregiver Burden

 Morimoto and colleagues found that the strongest predictor of declining quality of

life for stroke caregivers was a high level of caregiver burden [201]. Burden is caused by

feelings of large responsibility, uncertainty about the care needs of the stroke survivor,

decreased social interaction, and being the sole provider of care [206]. Bugge and

colleagues (1999) studied caregivers at 1, 3, and 6 months post-stroke. The amount of

time spent helping a patient, the amount of time spent with the patient, and the

caregiver's health were determined as the most influential factors of caregiver strain