The Impact of Depression on the Expression of Caregiver Burden and Grief

This study examined the impact of self-reported doctor's depression diagnosis on burden and grief expression in dementia caregivers (N?=?80). Depression was not related to overall grief and burden levels, but influenced the item endorsement pattern on these measures. Depressed caregivers were significantly more likely to endorse items concerning loss of freedom and control in their lives. Furthermore, caregivers with a depression diagnosis scored significantly higher on a personal sacrifice and burden subscale, compared to caregivers who had never received a diagnosis. There was no difference on subscales measuring heartfelt sadness and longing or worry and felt isolation. Caregivers with past depression may not necessarily demonstrate greater grief and burden levels, but may experience these differently than caregivers without past depression.