Depression, anxiety and stress in adult children caregivers of oncological patients

Abstract

Te aim of this study is to describe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in adult ofspring of cancer patients; and to analyze gen der diferences in psychological morbidity, as well as the association between psychological morbidity and traumatic symptomatology. Tis study is correlational with a sample of 214 adult ofspring who completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Te results revealed that 6-60% of the participants showed ‘normal’ or ‘mild’ levels of stress, anxiety, or depression; 15-26% ‘moderate’ levels; and 4-12% ‘severe’ or ‘extremely severe’ levels. Women had higher levels of anxiety and stress than men. Positive correlations were found between the DASS 21 and the IES-R. In conclusion, some adult ofspring caregivers re veal severe levels of psychological morbidity. Te results show a need for psychological intervention in this population, particularly in the female gender.