Predictors of Depressive Symptomatology in Family Caregivers of Women With Substance Use Disorders or Co-Occurring Substance Use and Mental Disorders

Abstract

This study utilized a stress-process model to examine the impact of having a female family member with substance use or co-occurring substance use and mental disorders on family caregivers' depressive symptomatology. Participants were 82 women receiving substance abuse treatment and the family member providing the most social support for each woman. Greater caregiver depressive symptomatology was predicted by greater care recipient emotional problems, less care recipient social support, and poor caregiver health. Implications of findings for treatment and future research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• co-occurring disorders
• depressive symptomatology
• family caregiving
• mental illness
• substance abuse
• women

Notes

Note. CR = Care recipient; CG = Caregiver.

Note: CR = care recipient; CG = caregiver; DD = dual diagnosis.

∗p < .05, ∗∗p < .01, ∗∗∗p < .001.