Caregiver Burden in Fragile X Families

Abstract

Complex caregiving issues occur in multigenerational families carrying the fragile X mutation and premutation. The same family members may care for children or siblings with fragile X syndrome (FXS) and for elderly parents with fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Family caregivers experience anxiety, depression, neglect of personal health care needs, employment difficulties, and loss of social support, leading to isolation and further psychiatric consequences. There is growing awareness of caregiver burden with regard to parents of children with FXS, but much less is known about the needs of informal caregivers of patients with FXTAS. In this paper, we review the available literature to date and provide suggestions for further exploration of caregivers' needs. Evidence-based strategies to address these needs are included. Many more research studies exploring caregiver burden in multigenerational fragile X families are needed, as well as studies aimed at investigating interventions and their impact on reduction.

The Impact on the Family of Four Neurogenetic Syndromes: A Comparative Study of Parental Views

“…There has been relatively limited research on the impact on the family of having a child with a neurogenetic condition. It has been suggested that in FXS, caregivers may experience anxiety, depression, neglect of personal health, employment difficulties and loss of social support (Iosif et al 2013) and increased financial burden (Ouyang et al 2010). Parents of children with WS have been found to display more pessimism than parents of children with Down syndrome and the strongest predictor of family problems in the syndrome was younger age and problem behaviors (Fidler et al 2000).…”