Abstract

LOSADA, Andrés et al. Attending to dementia caregivers diverse needs: contributions from cognitive-behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. Clínica y Salud [online]. 2015, vol.26, n.1, pp.41-48. ISSN 2174-0550.  https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clysa.2015.02.001.

Looking after an elderly relative with dementia is associated with negative emotional consequences for caregivers. The present paper describes a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) that were designed to reduce emotional distress in the caregiver. The objective of CBT is to modify dysfunctional beliefs and thoughts related to caregiving and to train caregivers to increase the frequency of gratifying activities; it also includes training in relaxation and in skills for seeking help. ACT involves working in particular on three aspects: on the identification of the caregiver's personal pattern of experiential avoidance and the alternative of acceptance of emotions, thoughts and feelings; on helping caregivers to identify their values and the barriers to acting in coherence with them; and on increasing caregivers' motivation to commit themselves to their values and perform actions and activities coherent with those values.

Keywords : Acceptance and commitment; Cognitive behavioral; Caregivers; Dementia; Therapy.

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