Source: Effects of Stress on Family Caregivers: Recognition and Management Peter P. Vitaliano, PhD and Wayne J. Katon, MD, Psychiatric Times June 2006, Vol. XXIII, No. 7
This excerpt is the only portion of the article that deals directly with patient compliance but is worth consideration:
Commentary
This succinct observation is not only useful as a self-contained clinical tip but also points out the interrelatedness of caregiving and patient compliance. Caregivers are especially vulnerable to depressions because of their role; that depression increases the risk that their charges will become noncompliant with treatment; the consequent deterioration of the patient adds to the burden of the caregiver and the extent of the depression; that worsens patient noncompliance; … .
Moreover, one would suspect that clinicians face psychological risks and have an impact on the patient similar to caregivers and, as a result, be involved in the same kind of vicious cycle.
Finally, since depression itself is an independent risk factor for noncompliance, the caregiver himself or herself is more prone to non-adherence with any treatment they may be undergoing.