Feasibility, Acceptability, and Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Anxiety Among Dementia Caregivers: A Mixed-Methods Pilot
From 1990 to 2016, worldwide dementia cases doubled from 20.2 million to 43.8 million, and numbers keep rising. Caring for those with dementia often falls on loved ones, and the associated burden frequently causes anxiety among caregivers. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which promotes acceptance and values-based actions, has demonstrated promise in lowering anxiety in various populations. In this project, feasibility, acceptability, and effects on anxiety of a telephone-based ACT intervention for dementia caregivers were studied. Caregivers (N=15) with moderate to severe anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale [GAD-7] score ≥ 10) completed 6 weekly 1-hour sessions of ACT. Feasibility was quantitatively measured and supported with high rates of recruitment and retention. Quantitative results from a survey post-intervention showed high satisfaction with the program and a strong likelihood to continue practices learned, suggesting the intervention was acceptable. Statistically significant decreases in GAD-7 scores were reported from baseline through 6 months post-intervention. Those results show ACT’s promise in reducing anxiety in dementia caregivers. Qualitative interviews conducted post-intervention gathered program feedback from caregivers, and these data provide clues that may explain the quantitative outcomes.
Supervisor: Dr. Shelley JohnsDepartment: Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute, Inc.