The Prevalence of PTSD Among an Online Sample of US Familial Dementia Caregivers

Genna M Mashinchi; Emily C. Hicks; Hannes Heppner

doi:10.21467/ajss.11.1.43-51

Authors

Genna M Mashinchi University of Montana, Department of Psychology https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9962-9428
Emily C. Hicks University of Montana, Department of Psychology
Hannes Heppner University of Montana, Department of Psychology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21467/ajss.11.1.43-51

Abstract

The increased prevalence of dementia has increased the number of caregivers. Familial caregivers can suffer emotionally as a result of caregiving. Despite caregiver organizations campaigning for awareness of caregiver trauma, more research examining PTSD among US familial dementia caregivers is needed. The present study surveyed an online sample of US familial dementia caregivers to gather a prevalence rate of PTSD. We hypothesized that these caregivers experience an equal or greater prevalence of PTSD compared to the general US population, nurses, emergency medical responders, and veterans. An online survey containing the PTSD-Civilian Checklist (PCL-C) was administered to familial dementia caregivers across the US. Data (n = 23) revealed that 26.1% of participants surveyed screened positive for PTSD criteria. Consistent with our hypothesis, this percentage is greater than the prevalence rates for the general US population and is similar to the prevalence rates for emergency first responders, nurses, and even US military veterans. These findings can greatly benefit US dementia caregivers by spreading awareness and helping allocate resources to assist those struggling with PTSD.

Keywords:

PTSD, dementia, caregiving

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