ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to examine the differences between the degree of depression experienced by stroke patients and that of his /her caregivers .. During the period from March 13 through April 13, 1995, 116 patients and caregivers were each presented with a questionnaire to determine the differences between the parient's severity of depression and the degree of depression characteristics. Furthermore, in order to determine the states of depression and nondepression, chracteristics of depression were quantified by using a point system to classify the patients and their caregivers into two groups.The results are as followed :1. Amongst the 116 stroke pationts surveyed, 43 patients(37%) fell under the category defined as depression, 38 patients(33%) were defined as mild to moderate depression and 5 patients ( 4% ) as having moderate to severe depression. However, no patient fell under the category of severe depression.2. Factors linking the psychological state of mind and the severity of depression were the patient's level of education, type of treatment, degree of home program training, adaptability to treatment, drug intake, and functional status.3. The levels of depression recorded by the caregivers were much lower than those recorded by the patients. This was a result of the caregiver underestimating the patient's severity of depression.4. The level of depression experienced by the patient's son(s), daughter(s), daughter-in-law( s ) were higher than that recorded by the patient's spouse.5. The variables affecting the caregiver's recorded degree of de - pression were the following: care period, living with the patient, knowledge about stroke care, and the caregiver's health status.6. Based on the caracteristics categorizing the nondepressed and depressed group, the patients were most affected by the area of paralysis, poket money and the taking of disbetic drugs. On the other hand, the caregivers were most affected by marriage status and the period of care.7. The highest point were given to the psychological disturbances of depression for the patients and physiological disturbances of depression for the caregivers. As a result of this study, it may be concluded and recommended that stroke patients should, in addition to physical rehabilitation, be exposed to neuro-psychological treatment not only for minimizing the after-affects of stroke but also to maximize support from the caregiver and family. Thus, it is recommended that, for full and successful recovery of a stroke patient, a psychologist must be present to act as a mediator for the patient and their respective family members.