title: A DBT Skills training group for family caregivers of persons with dementia.
abstract: A Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills training manual (DBT Skills) was adapted for use with caregivers of individuals with dementia. Implementation occurred in a community clinic with a heterogeneous caregiver group at risk for elder abuse. Sixteen caregivers completed the 9-week group. The results point to improved psychosocial adjustment, particularly increased problem-focused coping, enhanced emotional well-being, and less fatigue. Caregivers tended to utilize individual therapeutic services at a higher rate during the period of group attendance, indicative of appropriate help-seeking behavior in highly demanding situations. Six of the 16 caregivers repeated the training sequence in "booster" groups. Follow-up data from the booster groups suggest that high-risk caregivers may require continuing support to maintain treatment gains. In addition to demonstrating the feasibility of DBT Skills with caregivers, the results warrant a controlled outcome evaluation.
authors.affiliation: University of Nevada, Reno, Department of Psychology, Reno, NV 89557, USA. ClaudiaDrossel@gmail.com
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Drossel
authors.forename: Jane E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mercer
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing*; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008370:Manuals as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors