Compassion focused therapy for people with dementia: A feasibility study

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Catriona CraigAimee Spector

Abstract

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. 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. 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. Compassion focused therapy can be adapted to be delivered to people...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jul 9, 2020·Psychology and Psychotherapy·Katherine Lucre, Neil Clapton
Oct 31, 2019·International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being·Anna Sofia BrattMarie Rusner
Feb 2, 2021·Scandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology·Anna Sofia BrattIdor Svensson

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