Minimal-contact psychotherapy for sub-threshold depression in primary care. Randomised trial.
BACKGROUND
Sub-threshold depression is a prognostic variable for major depression. Interventions in sub-threshold depression may prevent the onset of new cases of major depression.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of minimal-contact psychotherapy in primary care patients with sub-threshold depression on the onset of major depression, on the reduction in depressive symptoms and on health-related quality of life.


METHODS
We conducted a randomised trial in primary care, in which patients screened for sub-threshold depression were randomly assigned to minimal-contact psychotherapy (n=107) or to usual care (n=109).


RESULTS
One year after baseline, the incidence of major depressive disorder was found to be significantly lower in the psychotherapy group (12%) than in those receiving usual care (18%). Small but significant effects were also found on depressive symptoms and on aspects of health-related quality of life.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary care patients with sub-threshold depression can benefit from minimal-contact psychotherapy.
Willemse
Godelief R W M
GR
Trimbos Institute/Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, The Netherlands. gwillemse@trimbos.nl.
Smit
Filip
F
Cuijpers
Pim
P
Tiemens
Bea G
BG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life