A meta-analysis of low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions for dementia caregivers. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kaddour, Laura; Kishita, Naoko; Schaller, Anthony
• Is Part Of: International psychogeriatrics. Volume 31:Number 7(2019)
• Page Start: 961
• Page End: 976
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: dementia caregivers, -- cognitive behavioral therapy, -- CBT, -- low intensity, -- anxiety, -- depression, -- burden, -- distress; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.9768905
• DOI: 10.1017/S1041610218001436
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1041-6102

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives: This study aimed to review the effectiveness of low-intensity cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)–based interventions for informal dementia caregivers when compared to non-active control conditions. Design: Literature searches were conducted in databases of published (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus) and unpublished (Open Grey, ISRCTN registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, ProQuest) literature. Individual meta-analyses were conducted for each outcome variable. Pooled intervention effect estimates were calculated as Hedge's g using a random-effects model. Included studies: Studies examining the effect of low-intensity CBT-based interventions for informal caregivers for people with any progressive dementia were included. Randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials were included. Measurements: Outcomes included the psychological variables of anxiety, depression, burden, and distress (defined as stress or strain). Results: A total of five studies reported anxiety outcomes, 12 reported on depression, three reported on burden, and six reported distress outcomes. Results demonstrated a significant effect of low-intensity CBT-based interventions in reducing all examined psychological difficulties. Small effect sizes were found for anxiety ( g = 0.35), depression ( g = 0.27), and distress ( g = 0.33). A medium effect was found for burden ( g = 0.53). Conclusions: The results provide initial support for low-intensity CBT-based interventions for dementia caregivers. Clinical implications and research recommendations are explored. Strengths and limitations of the study are discussed.