Psychoeducational intervention against support groups for caregivers: A randomised controlled trial of its effectiveness

To explore the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention compared with support groups and the usual care in caregivers. Providing care involves major changes in the lives of caregivers, with far-reaching repercussions. There is evidence that acting upon its mediator variables reduces its effects. A randomised controlled trial was conducted with 35 family caregivers of people with dementia. Mediator variables were assessed using the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised (problem-solving skills), the Leisure Time Satisfaction scale (rewarding activities), the Revised Scale for Caregiving Self-Efficacy (self-efficacy), the Social Skills Scale (assertive behaviour), the Psychosocial Support Questionnaire (social support), and the Dysfunctional Thoughts Questionnaire (dysfunctional thoughts related with caregiving); and outcome variables were measured with the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (burden), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (depressive symptomatology), the Perceived Stress Scale (stress), and the WHOQOL-AGE (quality of life). Those participating in the psychoeducational intervention highlight significant improvements in their problem-solving skills, leisure time, self-efficacy for self-care and for the control of upsetting thoughts at the post-treatment; and significant reductions in depressive symptomology and in dysfunctional thoughts that were maintained at the follow-up. Furthermore, their stress decreased, and their quality of life increased at the follow-up. Those in support groups did not show any significant changes at the post-treatment. Usual care caregivers suffer a significant deterioration in almost all the variables. Effective interventions need to be developed to improve the biopsychosocial state of caregivers. The presented psychoeducational intervention may help family caregivers because is more effective than others. • A randomised controlled trial compared psychoeducational intervention (PI), support groups and usual care. • The PI significantly improved mediator variables such as problem-solving skills, self-efficacy, and leisure time. • Dysfunctional thoughts were reduced and maintained at a 3-month follow-up after the PI. • Unlike support groups, the PI effectively reduced depressive symptoms and improved quality of life. • Usual care resulted in a significant deterioration of the caregivers' biopsychosocial state.