A group hypnosis intervention for caregivers confronted with dementia: Results of a pilot study

BackgroundCaregivers of persons with dementia (PwDs) provide extensive daily support and are exposed to significant psychological distress, health deterioration, and relational strain. They often feel insufficiently prepared to manage caregiving. While hypnosis seems promising for caregivers of PwDs, evidence remains scarce, particularly in group formats.ObjectiveThis exploratory pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a group hypnosis intervention for caregivers of PwDs, as a preliminary step toward a randomized controlled trial (RCT).MethodsA single-arm, uncontrolled pilot study was conducted with caregivers of persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. The intervention involved six biweekly group hypnosis sessions based on a standardized protocol. Assessments were conducted 2 weeks before (T0) and 1 month after (T1) the intervention.ResultsOf the 111 caregivers approached, 65 enrolled, and 56 completed the intervention. Attendance and completion rates supported feasibility. Acceptability was high, with strong satisfaction. Analyses revealed statistically significant pre-post reductions in distress, negative control behaviors and the perceived impact of the caregiving situation on health, as well as a significant increase in caregiving self-efficacy. Caregivers reported feelings of relief, calm, relaxation, and improved emotional regulation, along with perceived greater acceptance of the disease and more supportive caregiving behaviors, following the intervention.ConclusionsGroup hypnosis appears to be a feasible, acceptable, and potentially beneficial intervention for caregivers of PwDs. The findings support further investigation through a RCT to evaluate its efficacy and long-term outcomes.