Purpose: Depression is common in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Frequent and severe neuropsychiatric
symptoms lead to high levels of distress and caregiving burden among caregivers. The aim of this study was to examine
the effects of disease and the psychological management program (Patient Education for People with Parkinson's
Disease, PEPP) on depression, self-efficacy, and caregiving burden among caregivers. Methods: The study
included 36 caregiver of PD patients. Patients were assessed using the Hoehn and Yahr scale and Mini-Mental State
Examination. Caregivers were evaluated using the Caregiving Burden Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and
Self-Efficacy Scale, and were randomly assigned into either an experimental or control group. Results: There were
no differences in depression according to the group. There were significant differences between the two groups and
time with regard to caregiving burden. Analysis of the interaction between time and service method revealed significant
differences in caregiving burden and self-efficacy. Conclusion: Attention should be paid to the early identification
of caregivers who experience depression and have low self-efficacy in order to decrease caregiving burden.
It is also important that caregivers are provided with adequate support and disease management by health professionals
and mental health teams.