Emotional Distress and Diagnosis Among Helpseekers: A Comparison of Dementia Caregivers and Older Adults

Abstract

Given their 45% prevalence of depression, this study compares caregivers seeking help in coping classes with other older adults seeking help in mood change classes. About half of both groups reported psychological symptoms. Multivariate analyses of variance of Brief Symptom Inventory subscales reveal a strong main effect for diagnosis and no separate effect for caregiver status. Older persons with symptoms appear to use more organized problem-solving coping strategies and experience less conflict with primary supports. Help-seeking caregivers can be divided into two subsets: those who experience emotional distress and those who are doing reasonably well. These results suggest that caregiving may be similar to other stresses of late life.

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