Combined Intervention for Caregivers of Patients with Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Caregivers of patients with dementia are at a greater risk of developing burden, strain and psychiatric morbidity in the form of depression. Psychotherapeutic interventions are essential in order to facilitate their role and improve their emotional state. This study presents a randomised controlled trial of a combined group intervention, including psychoeducational program and group psychotherapy intervention using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, aiming to evaluate its effectiveness in psychological health of caregivers in Greece. Method: Ninety seven caregivers were randomly allocated to an experimental group (58 participants) which participated in a 6-month programme-and a control group (54 participants) which did not receive any kind of intervention (was in a wait list). Psychosocial assessment was performed for anxiety, depression and burden. Results: According to the analysis which was performed by protocol statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and the control group in levels of anxiety [F(1.94)=20.94, p<0.001], depression [F(1.94)=36.93, p<0.001] and sense of burden [F(1.94)=51.44, p<0.001]. The difference was in benefit of the experimental group. Conclusion: Combined intervention for caregivers can have protective effects on their sense of burden, depression and anxiety symptoms.