Problem Solving Therapy for Caregiver Burden

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byDeborah M Little, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The purpose of the study is to examine the role of demographics, pre-existing anxiety, depression, and substance use on caregiver depression anxiety, and substance use following a critical injury to a loved one, evaluate the factors that mediate the effectiveness of traditional psychotherapy using problem solving therapy to reduce depression, anxiety, and substance use and to evaluate the factors that mediate the effectiveness of providing an ICU diary and instruction on that diary to reduce depression, anxiety, and substance use.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking caregivers of trauma patients with severe head injuries, currently in the ICU and expected to survive. Caregivers must be close friends or family anticipating a supportive role post-discharge. Both patient and caregiver must consent.

Inclusion Criteria

Patient and Caregiver must be able to provide informed consent

Must be either a family member or close friend of a patient who has been admitted to the trauma/critical care service ICU

I can speak and communicate verbally.

+5 more

Exclusion Criteria

Does not anticipate serving in a Caregiver role after the patient is discharged

Patient is not expected to survive more than 96 hours

Caregiver is not a close friend or family member of the patient who has been admitted to the ICU

+5 more

Participant Groups

The study tests if problem-solving therapy reduces depression, anxiety, and substance use in caregivers compared to usual support or using an ICU diary as interventions after critical injury of a loved one.

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Problem Solving therapyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group II: ICU diaryExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group III: Support as usualActive Control1 Intervention