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Jordyn Deschene, Psy.D., is a 2022 graduate of the Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, New England

Dissertation Committee:

  • Karen Meteyer, PhD, Committee Chair
  • Christina Tempesta, PsyD, Committee Member
  • Nancy Ruddy, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

Lyme disease, post-treatment Lyme disease, caregiving, quality of life, caregiver burden, invalidation, mental health

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2022

Abstract

As the rate of Lyme disease diagnoses increases in the United States, it can be assumed that the frequency at which post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) is diagnosed will also increase. While research has been published on the experience of caregivers of other chronic illnesses, no studies have examined the experience of the PTLDS caregiver. This quantitative study sought to discover the most significant burdens, mental health status (levels of anxiety and depression), and level of invalidation experienced by the PTLDS caregiver. Thirty individual participants took part in this study. This study found that mental burden is a significant area of concern for PTLDS caregivers, that increased PTLDS symptomology is associated with increased financial concern, and that PTLDS caregivers endorsed a high rate of anxiety and depression symptoms related to the diagnosis. Invalidation did not appear to be experienced by the PTLDS caregiver in this sample. This study has clinical implications for medical professionals as they should be aware of the potential impact of medical invalidation, financial concern, and the burdens and mental health of the PTLDS caregiver.

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Jordyn Deschene

ORCID Scholar ID# 0000-0003-1138-6132

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