Perceived Social Support and Interpersonal Functioning as Predictors of Treatment Response Among Depressed Older Adults.

Objective: Social isolation is highly common in late life and is associated with devastating mental health and physical outcomes. This study investigated whether components of social isolation (marital status, perceived social support, and interpersonal problems) predict change in depression severity over the course of a brief adherence intervention delivered in a primary care setting.

Method: A sample of 189 older adults with major depressive disorder were randomized to either an adherence intervention, "Treatment Initiation Program," or treatment as usual.

Adherence to Depression Treatment in Primary Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Nonadherence to antidepressant medication is common and leads to poor outcomes. Early nonadherence is especially problematic.

Objective: To test the effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention to improve early adherence among older patients whose primary care physician newly initiated an antidepressant for depression.