A study on Stress, Anxiety and Depression among Caregivers of the patients with Dementia in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India.

Dr. Sk. Kamal Hassan; Dr.Uday Sankar Mandal; Dr. Dilip Kumar Mondal; Dr. Debarshi Jana

Volume : IX, Issue : I, January - 2020

A study on Stress, Anxiety and Depression among Caregivers of the patients with Dementia in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India.

Dr. Sk. Kamal Hassan, Dr. Uday Sankar Mandal, Dr. Dilip Kumar Mondal, Dr. Debarshi Jana

Abstract :

Background: Dementia is the leading cause of disability in aged peo¬ple and has a major impact by reducing the capacity to live independently. This condition of dependency involves all members of the family, particularly those who take direct care of patients. The changes that take place in caregivers� lives may alter their health and have an effect on the care of the sick. Aims: To determine the presence of stress, anxiety and depression in caregivers of Dementia patients. Methods: A descriptive cross–sectional study was performed in 60 principal caregivers of Dementia patients from the cognitive Clinic of Dept.of Psychiatry, R.G.Kar MCH, Kolkata,W.B. Caregivers were evaluated for intensity of Stress with the Kingston Caregiver Stress scale and for both depression and anxiety using the respective Hamilton scales. Suitable statistical test were used. Results: 80% of caregivers were female, and 53% were older than 50 years. Majority (80%) of caregiver exhibited high level of stress; 17% high anxiety symptoms; and 66% had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. A significant association was found in the Chi–squared test between intensity of stress in caregiver and depression. Conclusion: Caregiver stress was associated with depression. It is important for health professionals to include caregiver assessments in the treatment protocols of dementia.