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Group psychotherapy and people with dementia
R Cheston1, K Jones, J Gilliard
1Bath University, UK. Richard.Cheston@awp.nhs.uk
Aging & Mental Health
|October 28, 2003
Summary
Group psychotherapy significantly reduced depression and anxiety in people with mild to moderate dementia. These positive effects on mental well-being were sustained after the intervention ended.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Psychotherapy and counselling are increasingly used for dementia care.
- There is limited structured research on the effectiveness of these interventions for dementia patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of ten-week long psychotherapy groups for people with dementia.
- To assess the impact of group psychotherapy on depression and anxiety levels in dementia patients.
Main Methods:
- Six ten-week psychotherapy groups were conducted for individuals with dementia.
- Depression and anxiety were measured at four time points: pre-group, start, end, and ten-week follow-up.
- Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze data from 19 participants who completed all phases.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant reduction in depression scores (Cornell depression scores) was observed, maintained at follow-up.
- A borderline significant reduction in anxiety (Rating for Anxiety in Dementia - RAID) was also noted.
- The study provides initial evidence for the efficacy of group psychotherapy in managing mood symptoms in dementia.
Conclusions:
- Group psychotherapy may be beneficial for reducing depression and anxiety in individuals with mild to moderate dementia.
- This research offers some of the first clear evidence supporting the role of group psychotherapy in dementia care.
- Further research is warranted, considering not all dementia patients may be suitable for this intervention.
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The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
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