Relationship between Depression and Activity Overload in Primary Caregivers of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between levels of caregiver burden and depressive symptoms in primary caregivers of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) attended at FYADENMAC, Mexico City. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 9 primary caregivers of ALS patients. The Zarit Burden Interview and Beck Depression Inventory II were applied. The analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and simple linear regression. Results: 56% of caregivers experienced high burden, and 78% scored above 46 on the Zarit Scale. 56% exhibited clinically significant depressive symptoms, with the majority presenting mild (44%) and moderate (11%) levels. The correlation between burden and depression was positive but weak and not significant (ρ = 0.301; p = 0.431). Burden explained 16.7% of the variance in depression (R² = 0.167; p = 0.275). Conclusions: Primary caregivers of ALS patients experienced high levels of burden and depressive symptoms. The relationship between both variables was limited, suggesting that the caregiver’s emotional impact is a multifactorial process.