Abstract
Objectives: This study characterized symptoms of acute stress and depression in caregivers present during the hospitalization of a loved one with delirium. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional analysis of caregivers of patients hospitalized with delirium. Standardized questionnaires were used in caregiver interviews to assess psychological reactions to traumatic situations and understanding of medical care. Results: Of the 40 caregivers recruited, half had significant symptoms of acute stress and 12.5% of caregivers were highly symptomatic across all domains related to trauma. Elevated acute stress was positively correlated with both past or current depression and prior mental health treatment (p<0.028). The caregivers who ranked witnessing delirium as having a negative impact on their lives were also at elevated risk (p<0.05). Conclusions: Caregivers witnessing delirium are at elevated risk for experiencing severe acute traumatic and depressive symptoms, and this response might place them at risk for developing traumatic disorders.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 191-202 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine |
Volume | 50 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2015 |
Keywords
- Acute traumatic stress
- Caregiver
- Delirium
- Depression
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health