The Treatment Initiation Program: an intervention to improve depression outcomes in older adults.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study tests the usefulness of the Treatment Initiation Program (TIP) to improve depression in older adults. The TIP is an individualized, early intervention to address older adults' attitudes (e.g., perceived need for care and stigma) about depression and treatment.


METHODS
Older adults with major depression seeking mental health treatment were randomly assigned to either pharmacotherapy alone or with the TIP. Severity was assessed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at admission and at 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Mixed-effects models were calculated to evaluate the effects of the TIP.


RESULTS
In mixed-effects models, TIP patients had a greater decrease in depression severity and reported less hopelessness than the patients receiving usual care. TIP patients were more likely to remain in treatment 12 and 24 weeks after seeking care.


CONCLUSIONS
These data support the usefulness of the TIP to improve depression outcomes and treatment participation among older adults.
Sirey
Jo Anne
JA
Geriatric Outpatient Clinic, Westchester Division, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, White Plains, NY 10605, USA. jsirey@med.cornell.edu
Bruce
Martha L
ML
Alexopoulos
George S
GS
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome