COPING BY THE CARERS OF DEMENTIA SUFFERERS

One hundred and nine of 125 patients from consecutive referrals to a c linical service had an informal carer in contact at least once a week. Thirty-two of the carers had major or minor depression. The active ma nagement strategy 'being firm in directing behaviour' was significantl y inversely associated with depression amongst carers living with the dementia sufferers, whilst carers who prioritized their daily routines were significantly more likely to be depressed. The active psychologi cal coping strategy 'constructing a larger sense of the illness' was a lso significantly inversely associated with depression amongst carers living with the patients and 'reduction of expectations' showed a tren d in the same direction. There were no significant differences between the coping strategies used by men and women. The type of coping strat egy used by carers has an important relationship with depression. Acti ve practical and psychological strategies were of benefit to carers an d this has important treatment implications.