Objective: Evaluate outcome of psychodynamic-oriented psychological support for relatives and caregivers in an Interdisciplinary program for non-pharmacological treatment with PD.

Background: From the beginning of the execution of a 13-year program, participation of caregivers and relatives in a psychoanalytical psychotherapy was considered prioritary. The program consists of integrated approaches in different areas such as educational activities, speech therapy, swallowing therapy, physical therapy and psychotherapy. This program up to 2020 has included 465 patients and 463 relatives and caregivers. Dependence on others for survival becomes essential in PD. Caregivers and relatives have an important role in the disease and in general are not prepared to fulfill the role and are overwhelmed by it. This link is very intense and increases the risk of psychological and organic pathologies such as depression, anxiety, fears, as measured by Zarit Scale. It was detected that 62% of the family members who live together with patients have intense overload compared to only 6% in those who do not.

Method: Meetings Group sessions, which were monthly initially, only changed to bi-monthly meetings in a COVID context. From 463 relatives and caregivers who had a participation in educational activities, 77 worked as psychological psychoanalytical groups. The participation was 40 % spouses, mainly wives, 22 were men. Therapeutic aims were to build a new way of communication, to avoid wrong assumptions and understand that the link is bidirectional with mutually underpinning. We aimed to convey the idea that it is impossible to take care of others without taking care of oneself, overcoming a culture of sacrifice and accepting that life has changed. The aim is prevention of diseases and the feelings of loneliness and low self-esteem that usually appear in caregivers, reviewing the way to heal with others and de-centering the disease.

Results: Throughout these years QoL improvement was observed as well as an increase of their own resources. Clinically, a decrease in anxiety and anguish levels, along with better communication was perceived. Family members report reversal of loneliness and isolation.

Conclusion: The psychodynamically-oriented psychological support groups for relatives and caregivers in an Interdisciplinary program for non-pharmacological treatment with PD proved to be beneficial for them and for patients undergoing treatment.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/psychodynamic-therapy-groups-for-relatives-and-caregivers-in-the-context-of-a-pd-program/