Story perspectives
Ukraine's 'Italy Syndrome': Unique Depression Among Caregivers
10/30/2025
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Story summary
- Dr. Andriy Kiselyov, a psychiatrist in Ukraine, observed a unique depression in two women returning from caregiving jobs in Italy.
- He informally labeled this condition the “Italy syndrome” after noting its resistance to traditional treatments.
- The term emerged 20 years ago after the Soviet Union's collapse, when many Eastern European women migrated to Italy for elder care.
