Compassion Focused Therapy - for Mood in Dementia (Being kind to ourselves)

Being kind to ourselves - a study to assess whether group Compassion Focused Therapy can improve low mood and anxiety for individuals with dementia.

What is the study about?

Being kind to ourselves seeks to evaluate group Compassion Focused Therapy for individuals with a diagnosis of dementia and symptoms of depression or anxiety. Results have potential to improve the wellbeing of huge numbers of NHS patients and their families, who often struggle with excessive stress at this transitional stage.

What is involved?

All participants will be asked to answer questions with a researcher at the start of the study, at 16 weeks and 6 months later. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups, either:

• 12 weekly, 1-hour sessions of Compassion Focused Therapy in a group setting Or
• Your usual care

Who can take part?

The participant will:

• Be aged over 18 years old with the capacity to consent
• Meet the diagnostic criteria for dementia of any type that is mild or moderate in severity
• Experience symptoms of depression and/or anxiety
• Be able to communicate in English and be able to hear sufficiently to engage in group discussions
• Not be participating in other interventional research
• Caregivers/supporters can also participate

How can people get involved?
If you are interested in hearing more, please contact Abimbola Wilson by email abimbola.wilson@nhs.net or call 07970 614712