Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of any intervention were eligible if they reported initial and follow-up measures of anxiety or depression, and coping, in family carers of people with dementia. Trials had to use standardised quantitative measures of coping.
All except one of the included trials were conducted in North America. Most participants were women. Interventions included group coping skills, dyadic counselling, cognitive stimulation therapy, individual behavioural management and remotely delivered interventions. Trial duration ranged from one to eight months. Control groups in most trials were on a waiting list or received minimal telephone support. Anxiety, depression and coping were assessed using a variety of different scales.
It appears that two independent reviewers selected studies for inclusion.