title: The effects of a support group on dementia caregivers' burden and depression.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of a support group on depression levels and burden among dementia caregivers in Taiwan.
  
  
  METHODS
  An experimental, pre-intervention postintervention control group design was used in this study. The experimental group received intervention consisting of a 12-week support group for dementia caregivers. A total of 85 subjects were evaluated before intervention, after intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  (a) The depression level of participants in the experimental group was significantly decreased after the intervention and at 1-month follow-up. (b) There was no significant difference in caregiver's burden after the support group intervention and 1-month follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The improvement in dementia caregivers' depression levels shows that the support group was effective for reducing caregivers' depression although not effective for relieving their burden of care.
authors.affiliation: National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Hsin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Chyn-Yng
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yen-Hsueh
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: Lu-I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Chiung-Hua
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Chun-Chieh
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Kuei-Ru
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Chou
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011594:Psychometrics; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013624:Taiwan