Psychological interventions for caregivers of patients with dementia have shown contrasting outcomes with respect to their efficacy, especially on burden and depressive symptoms. In our study we analysed the outcomes of interventions such as: counselling, supportive therapy, psychotherapy and group therapy. 3 measurement scales were applied to 46 caregivers, recruited in a Centre of Cognitive Impairment (AUSL Modena): a scale that measures well-being (General Health Questionnaire), a scale that measures objective and subjective burden (Zarit Burden Interview) and a scale that measures competence (Sense of Competence Questionnaire). The results indicate that supportive therapy leads to a significant improvement in all these dimensions. Counselling allows people to cope with acute psychological distress. Psychotherapy improves the subjective perception of well-being but shows poor overall outcomes. Group therapy reduces the subjective burden.
Keywords: Caregivers, dementia, psychological treatments, burden.

E. Bergonzini, D. Rebecchi, C. Sgarbi, D. Di Francia, V. Di Castri, S. Moscardini, T. Oliva, Outcomes of the psychological treatments of caregivers of patients with dementia in "RICERCHE DI PSICOLOGIA " 3/2011, pp. 417-431, DOI:10.3280/RIP2011-003005