A stepped care relapse prevention program for depression in older people: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: This study aimed to determine the feasibility and the effectiveness of a Stepped Care Program (SCP) for preventing relapse of depression in older people. Stepped care consisted of (1) watchful waiting; (2) bibliotherapy; (3) individual cognitive behavioral therapy; and (4) indicated treatment.

Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, persons 55 years and older (n = 136) who had suffered at least one episode of major depression in the past received a SCP or Care As Usual (CAU).