Anxiety and Depression Associated With Burden in Caregivers of Patients With Brain Metastases.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe and examine the relationship between caregiver burden and the affective disorders anxiety and depression in caregivers of patients with brain metastases.
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DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational.
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SETTING: Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego. 
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SAMPLE: 56 family caregivers of patients with brain metastases from solid tumors at other primary sites.
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METHODS: Self-administered survey.
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MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Caregiver burden, anxiety, and depression.
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FINDINGS: With the exception of caregiver esteem, no statistically significant relationships were noted between impact on schedule, a dimension of caregiver burden, and screening positive for affective disorders.
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CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study support previous reports indicating that the odds of having anxiety and depressive symptoms are greater in family caregivers who report higher levels of caregiver burden.
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IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

The identification and management of caregiver burden are important considerations for a comprehensive cancer care program. Addressing the needs of the cancer caregiver, who is at heightened risk for various psychological, physical, financial, and social problems, is increasingly vital.