Involvement, depressive symptoms, and their associations with problems and unmet needs in caregivers of adult eating disorder patients

Krisztina Kocsis-Bogar, Michael Ossege, Martin Aigner, Johannes Wancata, Fabian Friedrich

Research output: Journal article (peer-reviewed)Journal article

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the most important problems and needs caregivers of adult inpatients with eating disorders (EDs) are confronted with in their everyday lives. A further aim was to investigate the associations between problems, needs, involvement, and depression in carers.

METHODS: Fifty-five caregivers of inpatients with EDs (26 anorexia nervosa, 29 bulimia nervosa) completed the Carers' Needs Assessment, Beck Depression Inventory, and the Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire. The relationships between variables were tested via multiple linear regressions and mediation analyses.

RESULTS: The most frequent problem reported by caregivers was a lack of information about the course and treatment of the illness and consequent disappointment, whereas their most frequently reported needs were different forms of information and counselling. Problems, unmet needs, and worrying were especially high in parents compared to other caregivers. Involvement mediated significantly between problems (b = 0.26, BCa CI [0.03, 0.49]) as well as unmet needs (b = 0.32, BCa CI [0.03, 0.59]) of caregivers and their depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION: Our findings underline the importance of including the problems and needs of caregivers of adult eating disorder patients in the planning of family and community interventions, to support their mental health.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Original languageEnglish
Article number45
Pages (from-to)45
JournalEating and Weight Disorders
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2023

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