Does caregiving lead to illness?
There is no straight answer but the evidence does seem to point to a link between chronic stress and illness. The problem for researchers is attempting to link stress and illness together. In the case of stress it can be difficult to pinpoint where and when stress actually starts. Similarly, illnesses such as Alzheimer's or cancer, have no characteristics that make the starting point obvious. The psychological effects of illness can also be different. Paradoxically a disease process can sometimes appear to affect the caregiver as much as the person affected.
Despite the methodological problems, evidence does suggest that certain types of stress have a negative impact on the immune system. Our immune system helps us to fight off infections, so if this is compromised we become ill. Most people are prone to illness but with an immune system that does not function properly we can pick up infections more easily and have greater difficulty shaking them off.
Not all stress is negative. Some people thrive in stressful situations and even if they don't we all need a bit of stress in our lives to meet the challenges that are thrown our way. Acute stress comes into play before examinations, during an argument, public-speaking, etc. Chronic stress seems to cause the damage. It is the drip-drip effect of a situation that we can't walk away from that both constitutes chronic stress and has been of interest to researchers.
In a study by Janice Keicolt-Glaser, 69 caregivers of dementia relatives who had been caregiving for around 5 years, were found to have significant levels of infectious illness, particularly respiratory tract infections. Caregivers were also more likely to be clinically depressed and those with least social support were most affected by physical and mental distress.
The stress-illness link is difficult to prove absolutely but several studies point to the strength of relationship. Studies continue to test the relationship between 'everyday' stress and severe and chronic stress. An important factor in nearly all studies is the important role that social support has as a protecting mechanism.
Sources:
Evans, P., Clow, A., Hucklebridge, F (1997) Stress and the Immune System. The Psychologist, July, 303-307
Kiecolt-Glaser, J.K., Dura, J.R., Speicher, C.E., Trask, O.J. & Glaser, R (1991). Spousal caregivers of dementia victims: Longitudinal changes in immunity and health. Psychosomatic Medicine, 53, 345-362
