Mindfulness Program for Caregiver Stress
(SOCIAL Trial)
Trial Summary
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot participate if you've had a recent change in prescribed medications for depression or anxiety within the past 6 weeks.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you've recently changed medications for depression or anxiety in the past 6 weeks.
What data supports the idea that Mindfulness Program for Caregiver Stress is an effective treatment?
The available research shows that the Mindfulness Program for Caregiver Stress can be effective in reducing stress and improving resilience among caregivers. For example, a study on caregivers of Alzheimer's patients found that an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction course significantly improved their psychological resilience. Another study on caregivers of people with mental illness showed that mindfulness and self-compassion were important in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress over six months. These findings suggest that mindfulness programs can help caregivers manage their stress and improve their well-being.12345
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Mindful and Self-Compassionate Care Program (MASC) for caregiver stress?
Research shows that mindfulness and self-compassion training can help reduce stress and improve resilience in caregivers, as seen in studies with caregivers of Alzheimer's patients and nurses. These programs have been associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, suggesting that similar benefits might be expected from the MASC program.12345
What safety data exists for the Mindfulness Program for Caregiver Stress?
The provided research does not contain specific safety data for the Mindfulness Program for Caregiver Stress or its variants like the Mindful and Self-Compassionate Care Program (MASC). The studies focus on self-directed care models for mental health, which are not directly related to the mindfulness program in question.678910
Is the Mindfulness Program for Caregiver Stress safe for participants?
Research on mindfulness-based programs, including Mindful Self-Compassion, suggests they are generally safe, but the potential for harm has not been comprehensively studied. Participants in these programs often report high satisfaction and improved well-being, but more research is needed to fully understand any risks.111121314
Is the Mindful and Self-Compassionate Care Program (MASC) a promising treatment for caregiver stress?
Yes, the Mindful and Self-Compassionate Care Program (MASC) is a promising treatment for caregiver stress. Mindfulness-based programs, like MASC, have been shown to improve psychological resilience, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and enhance overall well-being for caregivers. These programs can be delivered in a cost-effective manner, such as through mobile apps, making them accessible and beneficial for caregivers of dementia patients.115161718
How is the Mindful and Self-Compassionate Care Program (MASC) treatment different from other treatments for caregiver stress?
The Mindful and Self-Compassionate Care Program (MASC) is unique because it combines mindfulness practices with self-compassion techniques, which may enhance psychological resilience and reduce stress in caregivers. Unlike other treatments, it focuses on both mindfulness and self-compassion, potentially offering a more holistic approach to managing caregiver stress.115161718
What is the purpose of this trial?
Building on limitations of prior research, the investigators developed the Mindful and Self-Compassionate Care Program (MASC) to help caregivers of persons with Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) manage stress associated with the general caregiver experience including stress stemming from managing challenging patient behaviors. MASC teaches: (1) mindfulness skills; (2) compassion and self-compassion skills; and (3) behavioral management skills. MASC also provides psychoeducation and group-based training and skill practice to facilitate skill uptake and integration within the caregiver experience and tasks.The main aim is to: Demonstrate feasibility, acceptability, credibility, fidelity, preliminary efficacy and evidence for proposed mechanism of MASC through a pilot randomized controlled trial.Relevant stakeholders (caregivers of persons with ADRD) will participate in the intervention.
Research Team
Ana-Maria Vranceanu, PhD
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Christine Ritchie, MD, MSPH
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) who experience stress from their caregiving duties. It aims to help them manage this stress, including the challenges that come with difficult patient behaviors.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in six virtual group sessions teaching mindfulness, self-compassion, and behavioral management skills, with at-home practice to integrate these skills.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for feasibility, stress, anxiety, and well-being post-intervention.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Mindful and Self-Compassionate Care Program (MASC)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
University of California, San Francisco
Collaborator
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator