Attitude and burden in families of depressed elderly patients: strategies for care.

Family members and others who must care for depressed older adults have received relatively little clinical and research attention, despite their extensive special needs and burden. Attitudes and burden of caregivers affect the initial assessment and continuing treatment of depressed elderly patients. Clinicians can focus evaluation and therapeutic efforts to include the needs of family and patient. Certain strategies for clinical work with caregivers and patients can facilitate optimal care.