RESUMO
In this study, we investigated the relationship of demographic variables with mental disorders generally encountered by the caregivers. The cohort includes 109 caregivers (38.53 ± 9.62 year-old) of pediatric cerebral palsy patients (1-18 year-old) taken more than 3 months of caregiving. Data were obtained via face-to-face interviews and a 13-questioned survey followed by a statistical correlation with Zarit-Caregiver-Burden-Scale (Zarit-CBS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory-II scores (BDI-II). BAI scores were lower in the case of collaborative caregiving (p = .034) and a better financial status (p = .045) but higher in families having more than 1 disabled child (p = .019). Zarit-CBS scores were significantly higher in caregiving mothers with older age (p = .027) and lower in families having only 1 disabled child (p = .025). Mental disorders related to caregiving are dependent on the burden directed on the caregivers and having collaboration decreases anxiety. Medical assistance should be provided to caregivers showing signs of a mental disorder.
