Renowned therapist available to comment on importance of caring for caregivers

Caregiving is an important and widespread responsibility that is becoming more common as our society's elderly population grows. Much of this caregiving role is shifting onto families, increasing the need for professional help for those caring for their loved ones. Family Institute at Northwestern University chief postdoctoral fellow and therapist in the Institute's couples therapy program, Gustavo Medrano, PhD, is available to comment on the importance of caring for the caregivers.

"Chronic health conditions affect not only the patient, but their caregivers as well. Often, primary caregivers are members of the patient's family, including the spouse, parent, adult child or other close family member," says Dr. Medrano. "With current health care trends shifting patient care for chronic health conditions, including mental disorders, more towards families, promoting the well-being of patients and their family caregivers is quite important."

Dr. Medrano received his PhD from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. He specializes in the care of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, emotion regulation, coping with chronic health conditions, life transitions and stress management. His research illustrates how the stress of one person's health can influence every family member.