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document
A randomized controlled trial of guided self-help for improving the experience of caring for carers of clients with depression . AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive behaviour therapy guided self-help manual for enhancing the experience of caregiving of family carers of individuals with depression . BACKGROUND The prevalence of depression is increasing markedly in Thailand . While primary carers give most of the support for individuals with depression , they receive little support from mental health services in this critical role . DESIGN A randomized controlled trial . METHOD Carers were randomized to guided self-help ( n = 27 ) , while the control group received standard information and support ( n = 27 ) . Both groups also received a short weekly telephone call . Participants were assessed at three time points ; the outcome measure was the Experience of Caregiving Inventory . A doubly multivariate analysis of variance ( anova ) procedure , including between-group and within-group factors , was implemented . Fieldwork was from October 2007-May 2008 . RESULTS Fifty-four carers completed the study and intent-to-treat analyses were undertaken . The findings showed there was a significant reduction in the total negative experience of caring , from baseline to post-treatment , in the intervention group recipients of the manual compared with the control group and treatment effects were maintained at one-month follow-up . Similarly , a significant improvement in the total positive experience of caring occurred , from baseline to post-treatment , in the intervention group in contrast with the control group and these outcomes were sustained at one-month follow-up . CONCLUSION Guided self-help strengthen carers ' positive and reduces their negative , experience of caring . The study contributes to the limited evidence base about this approach in a developing country such as Thailand .
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Intervention_Educational
guided self-help
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Intervention_Educational
cognitive behaviour therapy guided self-help manual
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Intervention_Educational
guided self-help
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Intervention_Psychological
control group received standard information and support
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Intervention_Educational
short weekly telephone call
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Intervention_Educational
Caregiving Inventory
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Intervention_Educational
Guided self-help
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Outcome_Other
experience of caring for carers
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Outcome_Mental
experience of caregiving of family carers
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Outcome_Other
total negative experience of caring
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Outcome_Other
total positive experience of caring
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Outcome_Physical
experience of caring
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Participant_Sample-size
n = 27
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Participant_Sample-size
( n = 27
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Participant_Sample-size
Fifty-four carers