Caring for carers of people with Parkinson's disease

INTERVENTION: 1. Cognitive behavioural therapy nurse‐led group intervention: 6 ‐ 9 carers per group, 8 x 2 hour sessions at weekly intervals over 2 ‐ 3 months. Intervention guided by trial manual and supporting materials. 2. Waiting list group: The waiting list group will be offered treatment after 3 months. CONDITION: Carer stress; Parkinson's disease ; Nervous System Diseases ; Parkinson's disease PRIMARY OUTCOME: 28‐item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐28): score at the end of treatment for the immediate treatment group compared to score of the delayed treatment group at the same timepoint. Measured at pre‐randomisation and end of treatment (for active arm) or at 3 months (for control arm). All will be assessed again at 3 months post‐treatment to assess uncontrolled delayed effects. SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview; 2. Caregiver Strain Index; 3. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15); ; In addition to the analysis at the primary endpoint, (uncontrolled) treatment effects at the end of follow‐up relative to baseline and end of treatment will be analysed as a secondary endpoint. All measured at pre‐randomisation and end of treatment (for active arm) or at 3 months (for control arm). All will be assessed again at 3 months post‐treatment to assess uncontrolled delayed effects. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Participants must: 1. Be the primary caregiver for the person with Parkinson's disease and either live in the same home and/or have at least 12 hours direct care‐related contact per week 2. Be able to provide informed consent 3. Be willing and able to attend 8 weekly or fortnightly sessions 4. Score 5 or more ('case' level problems) using binary (0/1) scoring on the 28‐item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐28) 5. Be aged 18 years or older (no upper age limit), males or females