This report presents the findings of a survey of the mental health of carers living in England. The survey was commissioned by the Department of Health and was carried out between March and July 2001. It is one of a series of surveys of different population groups which began in 1993. The sample for the survey was obtained from people who were identified as carers on the basis of questions included in the 2000 General Household Survey. This report describes the extent to which carers experience mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and phobias, and identifies a number of factors which are associated with increased levels of such symptoms. It considers a range of factors, such as the socio-demographic characteristics of the carer themselves, their health, the characteristics of those they care for, and the support they receive in their caring role. The report also considers to what extent those carers with mental health problems receive treatment. The report includes a description of the survey methods used and aims to provide an overview of the main topics covered.