A qualitative research of disease management experience in patients with depression and their caregivers

Objective To explore the disease management experience of patients with depression and their caregivers. Methods In February to July 2017, qualitative research method was adopted, and depth interviews were conducted among 16 patients with depression and 12 caregivers. Results After analysis, 4 themes were extracted. Emotion management: the patients and their caregivers were void of knowledge of the disease which affects the identification of emotional symptoms, and they were also deficient in methods and skills of emotional regulation. Drug management: depression emotion affected the self-management of drugs. The comprehending deviation of drug effects and adverse reaction will affect the patients to continue take medicine. Role management: patients had misunderstood the maintenance of social role function, and their attitude towards the maintenance of a good social role function was also lack of continuity. Social resources and utilization: supporting social resources were insufficient, and social resources cannot be effectively utilized. Conclusions There are some difficulties in the disease management of patients with depression, so patients and their caregivers should learn disease-related knowledge and management skills. At the same time, social support and help in multiple ways are required. Key words: Depressive disorder; Caregivers; Self-management; Experience; Qualitative research