This uncompensated care involves significant time and
energy as well as requires performing tasks that are
physically, emotionally, socially, and existentially
demanding. Indeed, caregivers are at risk for psychological
(eg, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness) and physical
(eg, increased mortality, cardiovascular disease, poor
immune functioning, and sleep difficulties) complications.
Although some studies of caregivers reported comparable
rates of depression and anxiety to those of patients for
whom they provide care, others have shown rates that
surpass those of patients.