Problem-solving therapy for late-life depression in home care: a randomized field trial.

Am J Geriatr Psychiatry

Center for Mental Health and Aging, School of Social Welfare, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA.

Published: November 2007

Objective: The authors present data from a pilot research program initiated to develop, refine, and test the outcomes of Brief Problem-Solving Therapy in Home Care (PST-HC) that targets the needs of older adults identified with severe depressive symptoms in an acute home care setting.

Methods: A pilot randomized clinical trial compared the impact of PST-HC to usual care (UC) in a sample of older medically ill home care patients identified with severe depressive symptoms. Forty patients were randomly assigned to either six weekly sessions of PST-HC in their home or standard home care services. Depression, quality of life, and problem-solving ability were measured at baseline, posttreatment, three-month follow-up, and six-month follow-up by blinded evaluators.

Results: All 40 patients provided follow-up data. No differences between the two groups were found on any demographic variables. Outcome data suggested significant improvements in depression scores over time after PST-HC, relative to UC. PST-HC patients reported higher quality of life and problem-solving ability scores relative to UC.

Conclusion: Results suggest that PST-HC is well tolerated and holds promise for reducing persistent depressive symptoms. The authors discuss limitations in terms of the "real-world" applicability of this psychosocial treatment for late-life depression.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JGP.0b013e3180cc2bd7DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

depressive symptoms
12
problem-solving therapy
8
late-life depression
8
identified severe
8
severe depressive
8
quality life
8
life problem-solving
8
problem-solving ability
8
care
6
pst-hc
6

Similar Publications

Quantitative Evaluation of Multiple Treatment Regimens for Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Int J Neuropsychopharmacol

January 2025

Center for Drug Clinical Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China.

Objective: This study aims to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy and safety of various treatment regimens for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) across oral, intravenous, and intranasal routes to inform clinical guidelines.

Methods: A systematic review identified randomized controlled trials on TRD, with efficacy measured by changes in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). We developed pharmacodynamic and covariate models for different administration routes, using Monte Carlo simulations to estimate efficacy distribution.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: HIV remains a major challenge in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, particularly for young women who face disproportionate risks and barriers to prevention and treatment. Most HIV cure trials, however, occur in high-income countries.

Objective: To examine the perspectives of young women diagnosed with acute HIV in a longitudinal study, focusing on their perceptions on ATI-inclusive HIV cure trials and the barriers and facilitators to participation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In the United States, the COVID-19 Pandemic caused many autistic adults to be fearful and worried about their health. There is a lot of research that says that when autistic adults experience health distress it can worsen their mental health. We do not know, however, what might explain how experiencing health distress negatively affects mental health.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Cognitive impairment in patients with COVID-19 has been reported, but findings are inconsistent. This study assessed cognitive functioning 6 months post-infection across three COVID-19 severity groups compared to non-COVID controls. Seventy-two ICU-treated, 49 ward-treated, and 44 home-isolated patients with COVID-19, along with 48 controls, underwent neuropsychological evaluation and assessment of subjective cognitive symptoms, depressive symptoms, and fatigue.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: To analyze the sociostructural determinants associated with mental health problems during the lockdown period among populations residing in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Spain who lived with minors or dependents, approached from a gender perspective.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six participating countries via an adapted, self-managed online survey. People living with minors and/or dependents were selected.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!