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ObjectiveMethodResultsDiscussionResearch examining mental health carers’ perceptions of their role and adoption of the carer label is rare, and non-existent for carers of a person with depressive or anxiety symptoms specifically. This study aimed to understand how carers of people with depressive or anxiety symptoms perceive their identity, how they interpret the carer label and the implications of role ambiguity.Using a phenomenological qualitative design, 14 carers of people with depressive or anxiety symptoms participated in semi-structured interviews between June 2022 and July 2022. Reflexive thematic analysis of transcribed interview data identified four themes.Carers defined their identity based on their primary objective of supporting the care recipient to lead an independent life. Carers reported that the carer label had a diminishing effect on the care recipient’s independence, which served as a barrier to carers adopting the term and self-identifying as carers. In the initial phases of caring, carers attributed their negative experiences to role ambiguity. Over time, for some carers, role ambiguity enabled deeper relationships and personal growth.Adopting the carer label is challenging for this carer group. Barriers to self-identification may limit accessibility and demand for appropriate resources and services. Future research into carer identity is still required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing body of research attests to the capacity of evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes for informal carers. A review of suitable supports and interventions for carers of a person with depressive or anxiety symptomology is timely. This systematic review explores intervention suitability evidence for this carer group. Searches for relevant primary studies were conducted in six databases across a 15-year timeframe (October 2004-October 2019). Studies were assessed and compared narratively and thematically. Qualitative themes were synthesised with quantitative studies to explore the extent to which carer preferences were embedded in interventions. The initial literature search produced 13,183 studies. Six studies--three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and three mixed-method studies--were included following a double-blinded screening process, a review of reference lists and risk of bias assessment. Included studies contributed either intervention efficacy or acceptability evidence. The synthesis of qualitative themes with quantitative studies found that carer-specific needs and targeted psychoeducation were featured in interventions from all six quantitative studies. Current evidence for appropriate supports and interventions for this carer group is limited. The review uncovers a lack of interventions for carers of a person with anxiety symptomology and limited intervention suitability evidence for carers of a person with depressive symptomology. More research is needed to explore the needs and preferences of this carer group, and how best to support them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]