Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Informal Caregivers: Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Caregiver Support

Background:

• Caregiving for family members can negatively impact caregiver well-being.
• Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) offers a potential support solution, especially in resource-limited settings.
• High demand for psychological services necessitates accessible interventions for caregivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a therapist-guided 8-week internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) intervention.
• To assess the impact of ICBT on informal caregivers' burden, mental health, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• 63 participants were recruited online and randomized to either an ICBT intervention or a wait-list control group.
• The primary outcome measure was the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI).
• Secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life assessments.

Main Results:

• Moderate effect sizes favored the ICBT group for overall caregiver burden (Cohen's d = -0.70).
• Significant reductions were observed in CBI subscales (Development, Physical Health), depression (PHQ-9), and anxiety (GAD-7).
• Large effects were noted for reduced stress (PSS-14) and improved quality of life (BBQ, WHO-5); participants reported high satisfaction and ease of use.

Conclusions:

• This is the first internet intervention study for informal caregivers in Lithuania.
• Therapist-guided ICBT is effective in reducing caregiver burden, anxiety, depression, and stress.
• The intervention significantly improved caregivers' quality of life and was well-received by participants.