Using in-depth qualitative interviews, this exploratory analysis evaluated the emotional impact of breast cancer on seven older women caring for others at the time of their breast cancer diagnosis. Stress--not depression as hypothesized--was identified as a primary issue for the women in their struggle to balance caregiving responsibilities and health needs. Modified by the caregiver-care recipient relationship and the type and amount of care provided, participants' experience with stress was influenced by a host ofphysical emotional, economic, and environmental factors. Life course pattern similarities represented another compelling emergent theme in the study. Participants shared similar characteristics and experiences during their lives, leading them through common pathways to the dual status of caregiver and breast cancer patient. Findings from this preliminary analysis support the need for more extensive research in this area as well as heightened awareness among social workers and care managers of the unique stressors experienced by older women breast cancer patients caring for others.

The primary objective of this study was to identify the needs of caregivers of individuals with Parkinson's disease within the context of the common functional, memory, and behavioral problems experienced by Parkinson's patients. A second objective was to evaluate any differences between caregivers of Parkinson's patients and caregivers of adults with other forms of cognitive impairment. Data used for this analysis were collected in 1999, by the 11 Caregiver Resource Centers that form California's statewide Caregiver Resource Center system, as part of the uniform caregiver assessment process. Parkinson's disease caregivers requested assistance with emotional support, respite, and behavior management. Compared with caregivers of non-Parkinson's patients served by the CRC system, caregivers of Parkinson's patients were primarily older, entered the CRC system later, and demonstrated increased depression and other health conditions.

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This paper explores the presentation of severe depression among patients with accumulated trauma in the context of an urban community health center (primary care clinic) in California, as well as opportunities to address this phenomenon in light of diminished community-based mental health services.

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