Anxiety, Depression, and Spirituality Among Caregivers of Patients With Alzheimer Disease

• Main Authors: Roya Samadi, Naghmeh Mokhber, Farshad Faridhosseini, Mehri Baghban Haghighi, Shervin Assari
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Travel Medicine Center of Iran 2015-02-01
• Series: International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health
• Subjects: Alzheimer Disease; Caregivers; depression; Spirituality
• Online Access: http://www.ijtmgh.com/article_33166_567d4065170f75c6471906ba92afef07.pdf

<strong>Introduction:</strong> The nature of the Alzheimer’s disease gradually makes patients dependent to persistent care. This may have a large negative effect on the caregivers’ quality of life and predisposes them to psychological distress. Spirituality, however, may act as a buffer and enhance their adaptability with stressful conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the association between spirituality and symptoms of anxiety and depression in a sample of caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. <br/><strong>Methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, 209 outpatients with moderate Alzheimer’s disease (using DSM-IV criteria and MMSE test) and their caregivers were selected. Patients’ and caregivers’ demographic data were recorded. The Spiritual Intelligence Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale were completed by caregivers. <br/><strong>Results: </strong>Spirituality was negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. Spirituality, however, had a positive but non-significant correlation with anxiety symptoms. <br/><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although symptoms of anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in Alzheimer caregivers, only depressive symptoms are directly linked to spirituality. Spiritually-based approach may be a component of therapeutic interventions, in order to enhance caregivers’ adaptability.