The purpose of this study was to describe depression, caregiving burden and the correlation of the two variables in the families of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to clarify factors predicting caregiving burden.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 139 family members who provided care to patients with ALS. The characteristics of patients and families, Korean-Beck Depression Inventory (K-BDI), Korean version of Zarit Burden Interview (K-ZBI) and Korean-Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale - Revised (K-ALSFRS-R) were used as study measures.

The mean score for K-BDI was 19.39 out of 63 suggesting sub-clinical depression and 38.2% of the family members exhibited depression. The mean score for K-ZBI was 66.03 out of 88. The predictors for K-ZBI were K-BDI, age of family member, length of time spent per day in caring, relationship to patient and K-ALSFRS-R.

The results of this study suggest that levels of depression and caregiving burden are high among family members caring for patients with ALS. As depression is associated with caregiving burden, screening and emotional supports should be provided to reduce the burden of care for these family. Support programs to alleviate the care burden are also needed, considering family demographics, time per day in caring giving and K-ALSFRS-R.