Mentalizing Imagery Therapy for Caregivers to Address Risk of Elder Mistreatment

Mentalizing Imagery Therapy for Caregivers to Address Risk of Elder Mistreatment (MIT-CARE)

The purpose of this study is to establish the clinical efficacy of Mentalizing Imagery Therapy (MIT) for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) family caregivers in terms of mentalizing and elder mistreatment (EM) risk factors of stress, depression, and suicidality and to identify the mechanistic impacts of MIT on ADRD family caregivers' mental health,including stress, depression, and suicidality.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primary family ADRD caregivers
• Recruited nationally.
• Caring for someone aged 60 or older
• Provide at least 8 hours of care weekly
• Report at least mild depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥5)
• Use a smartphone at least five days per week.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active psychosis or mania
• A suicide attempt in the last 6 months or current suicidal intent
• Self-reported memory or cognitive complaints
• Unstable medical conditions or planned major surgery
• Moderate to severe substance use disorders.