Depression, Anxiety and Antidepressants and Anxiolytics Use in Spanish Informal Caregivers according to the Physical Activity Frequency: EHSS 2014–2020

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental diseases both in formal and nonformal caregivers. Physical activity during leisure time seems to have benefits on their practitioner’s mental health. This study aimed to analyze the associations between physical activity frequency (PAF) and depression and anxiety status, as well as antidepressant and anxiolytic use in Spanish nonformal caregivers. A cross-sectional study with data from the 2014 and 2020 European Health Interview Surveys in Spain (EHSS) including 4520 Spanish nonformal caregivers was carried out. The PAF was found to be related to depression and anxiety, as well as antidepressants and anxiolytics use (p < 0.001), with the highest proportions of these variables found in the inactive population (p < 0.05), while the active and very active populations showed the lowest proportions (p < 0.05). Weak but statistically significant correlations were found between all variables of interest (p < 0.001). Being female, older, and dedicating more hours per week to caregiving and caring for nonfamily members were found to have increased risks of depression, anxiety and antidepressants or anxiolytics use. Nonformal caregivers who were not physically active during their leisure time had higher mental disorders and psychotropic drug use proportions than the active and very active caregivers. Thus, increasing nonformal caregivers’ PAF could be a protective tool.

Mental Health of Caregivers of Elderly Patients: The Impact of Psychotropic Drugs on Quality of Life, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress

“…As mentioned above, these two disorders can affect any person of any age, gender, ethnicity, etc. However, studies have shown that one of the roles with a higher risk of manifesting psychological problems is that of caregiver, regardless of the health status of the dependent person (Denche-Zamorano et al, 2023). For the same reason, there is growing concern about the well-being and mental health of health professionals who earn their living by caring for users in institutions, as well as individuals who care for family members (Moriarty et al, 2015).…”