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Compassion focused therapy for people with dementia: A feasibility study
Author(s) -
Craig Catriona,
Hiskey Syd,
Royan Lindsay,
Poz Rebecca,
Spector Aimee
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.4977
Subject(s) - anxiety , mood , psychology , intervention (counseling) , dementia , self compassion , clinical psychology , distress , mindfulness , thematic analysis , psychiatry , psychotherapist , medicine , qualitative research , disease , social science , pathology , sociology
Objectives There is a lack of evidence‐based psychological therapies for dementia and psychological distress. The study aimed to develop a compassion focused therapy intervention for people with dementia with depression and/or anxiety, and to assess its feasibility, acceptability, and utility. Methods A mixed methods multiple case series ( n = 7) was used to assess the intervention's feasibility and changes in self‐compassion, mood, anxiety, and quality of life. Outcome measures were administered at pre‐intervention, midpoint, and post‐intervention. Data were analysed using reliable change and clinically significant change. Thematic analysis on post‐therapy interviews and session rating forms was used to assess acceptability and perceived change from the intervention. Results Over the course of the intervention, improvements in mood, anxiety, and self‐compassion were seen, and three of six participants moved out of the clinical depression range. Six participants were able to engage in soothing rhythm breathing, and five in discussion of self‐criticism and developing self‐compassion. Several participants and their carers described increased self‐compassion in response to cognitive decline. Conclusions Compassion focused therapy can be adapted to be delivered to people with dementia and low mood, anxiety, or other distress. The intervention may improve self‐compassion, mood, and anxiety. A larger pilot trial with a comparator group and follow‐up is needed to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness for people with dementia.