The Impact of Caregiving on the Development of Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Providing care for a relative is associated with psychological distress and a higher prevalence of psychological disorders. This study investigated the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders among the caregiving population. The study was based on data drawn from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES). Binary logistic regressions were conducted to examine these associations and to identify factors influencing the development of depressive and anxiety disorders. The analysis indicated that respondents providing care for a relative were at a higher risk of developing a psychological disorder. A number of socio-demographic variables were identified as increasing the risk of developing a psychological disorder such as being younger, female and divorced. The findings highlight the importance of support and interventions for family caregivers.