Abstract
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety in
caregivers of persons with dementia. [Method] A systematic review of English-language studies was performed
following the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The databases PubMed,
CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library were used. Studies of CBT interventions for anxiety in dementia caregivers
were examined. Three randomized controlled trials met the eligibility criteria and were reviewed by two researchers.
Studies were evaluated in terms of the outcome and the risk of bias. [Results] Although the frequency and duration
of the CBT interventions differed across the three studies, all three reported some reduction in anxiety after the
intervention. [Conclusions] The findings indicate that CBT has a positive effect on anxiety in dementia caregivers;
however, additional randomized controlled trials are needed to fully determine the usefulness of CBT.
