Effect of psycho-education and mindfulness-based stress reduction on psychological stress of carers of relatives with dementia: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background and Objectives The intention of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the relative usefulness of psycho-education (PE) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training programs on carers of relatives with dementia (RWD).

Materials and Methods: An eight-week, randomized, controlled trial was accomplished from March to December 2020. Ninety carers of RWD were randomly allocated to PE or MBSR-training program. Carers were rated at baseline and at the 8-week after training with the Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Anxiety Inventory, Coping Response Inventory, and the Short Form of Health Survey.

Results: A significant decrease in state anxiety symptoms and gains in problem-focused coping appeared in both groups. In the 45 carers trained by MBSR, the mean (SD) of the anxiety score declined from 37.0 (1.9) to 35.6 (1.7) (P < 0.001). Of the 45 carers trained by PE, the mean (SD) of the anxiety score declined from 36.7 (1.2) to 34.5 (2.9) (P < 0.001). The mean (SD) of problem-focused coping score increased from 15.5 (5.0) to 16.7 (4.8) (P < 0.001) and from 14.7 (5.8) to 15.5 (5.7) (P < 0.05) in the PE and MBSR groups. Carers’ adherence was fine and no unpleasant effects were seen.

Conclusions: Both MBSR and PE significantly reduce state anxiety symptoms and gains in problem-focused coping. MBSR demonstrated no superiority over the PE-training program.

Trial Registration: irct.ir: IRCT20161010030255N4 registration date 18/12/2020