Social Support and Depressive Symptoms Among Caregivers of Veterans With Multiple Sclerosis

Purpose/Objective: The primary aim of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived social support and depressive symptoms among family caregivers of veterans with multiple sclerosis (MS). A secondary aim of this study was to examine the relationship between caregiver perceived social support and caregiver demographic variables, veteran health-related variables, and caregiver depressive symptoms. Research Method/Design: As part of a larger study, 42 family caregivers of veterans with MS completed questionnaires by telephone. Hierarchical regression was used to examine the relationship between caregiver depressive symptoms and perceived social support. Results: Greater MS disease severity and poorer overall veteran health were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms among caregivers. Caregiver perceived social support was associated with depressive symptoms after controlling for veterans' MS disease severity and overall physical health. Conclusions/Implications: Psychosocial interventions aimed at enhancing social support among caregivers of veterans with MS in multiple life domains, such as work, finances, housing, social life, marriage, and family, may be important for family caregiver mood management, particularly as MS disease severity increases.