Research Summary

CBSM Reduces Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD in Parents of Pediatric Patients With AML

Kate Young

A 10-week, structured cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) program effectively reduces anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in parents of patients with pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML), according to a recent study that addresses a critical gap in caregiver psychological support.

This randomized controlled trial involved 56 pediatric patients with AML and their 100 parents, who were divided into a CBSM group of 49 parents and a normal care (NC) group of 51 parents. Both groups received educational interventions, but only the CBSM group underwent a 10-week structured program, including stress management training, cognitive restructuring, relaxation techniques, and peer support.

Key findings demonstrated that parents in the CBSM group experienced significantly lower scores for anxiety, depression, overall psychological distress, and PTSD symptoms at 3 and 6 months post-intervention compared with the NC group. For instance, self-rating anxiety scale scores at 6 months decreased significantly in the CBSM group (P = 0.003), alongside similar declines in self-rating depression scale (P = 0.002), SCL-90 (P = 0.019), and IES-R (P = 0.010) scores. Subgroup analysis revealed that CBSM was particularly effective in parents with baseline anxiety or depression, suggesting targeted benefits for those at greater psychological risk.

Limitations of the study included the short follow-up period and reliance on self-reported data, suggesting areas for future research.

 “CBSM alleviates anxiety, depression, and PTSD in parents of pediatric AML patients, empowering these parents to achieve a healthy psychological status and offer care for their children with a positive mindset,” the study authors concluded.

Reference
Wang L, Duan H, Zuo H, et al. Cognitive-behavioral stress management relieves anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder in parents of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients: a randomized, controlled study. Hematology. 2024;29(1):2293498. doi: 10.1080/16078454.2023.2293498.