Religious participation as a predictor of mental health status and treatment outcomes in older persons.

Objectives: This study focuses on examining the relations of religious participation and affiliation to mental health status among older primary care patients, and to the use and clinical outcomes of mental health services.

Methods: A sample of older adults participating in a clinical study (PRISM-E) to treat their depression with or without co-morbid anxiety (n = 1610) were queried about their religious affiliation and the frequency of their participation in religious activities. The diagnoses of depressive and anxiety disorders were made based on the MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview.

Design and sample characteristics of the PRISM-E multisite randomized trial to improve behavioral health care for the elderly.

Objective: To describe the design of the Primary Care Research in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for Elderly (PRISM-E) study and baseline characteristics of the randomized primary care patients with mental health problems and at-risk alcohol use.

Method: Adults aged 65 and older were screened at primary care clinics from 10 study sites throughout the United States. Those diagnosed for depression, anxiety, and/or at-risk alcohol consumption were randomized to either integrated or enhanced referral care.