Journal of Affective Disorders
Volume 87, Issue 1 , Pages 25-33, July 2005

Identifying depression in a family member: The carers' experience

  • Nicole Highet

      Affiliations

    • Beyondblue (The national depression initiative), Melbourne, Australia
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. PO Box 6100, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia. Tel.: +61 3 9810 6100; fax: +61 3 9810 6111.
    • ,
  • Marie Thompson

      Affiliations

    • Beyondblue (The national depression initiative), Melbourne, Australia
    • ,
  • Bernard McNair

      Affiliations

    • Blue Voices (The consumer carer arm of beyondblue), Melbourne, Australia

Received 10 September 2004; received in revised form 14 February 2005; accepted 15 February 2005.

Abstract 

Background

Current research activity has not focused adequately upon the experience of caring for a person with depression. This study aimed to explore the carer's experience of living with a person with clinical depression. Specific focus was given to the detection and recognition of the disorder.

Methods

A series of focus groups and in-depth interviews was conducted with carers living with a person with clinical depression in rural and metropolitan Australia. Participants were recruited via support agencies and local advertising of the research.

Results

Signs and symptoms of depression were recognised by carers, generally in hindsight. Barriers to early detection were identified by carers and these were likely to contribute to the psychological reaction of carers and to the eventual diagnosis of the care recipient.

Limitations

The study would be strengthened by a greater diversity of relationships between the carer and the care recipient.

Conclusions

This research has important implications for clinical practice and health policy, which must evolve to facilitate early detection and intervention, and to address the experience and needs of carers.

Keywords: Beyondblue, Depression, Carer, Caregiver, Burden, Strain

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0165-0327(05)00071-6

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2005.02.016

Journal of Affective Disorders
Volume 87, Issue 1 , Pages 25-33, July 2005

Article Tools