How effective is advanced training concerning depression and suicidality among the elderly? Results of a pilot study.
Three Hundred and Seventy Four geriatric caregivers in Nuremberg and Munich participated in a four-hour advanced in-house training addressing the topic. "depression and suicidality in old age." Geriatric caregivers are key persons in early diagnosis of depressive symptoms and suicidality. The training focused on qualifying and sensitizing caregivers for these topics. A 12-item questionnaire was applied to measure the outcome parameters "knowledge and attitudes towards depression and suicidality in old age" within a pre-, post-, Three-months-follow-up design (rate of return = 58%). Short-term effectiveness of the advanced training "depression in old age" could be shown for most of the items. Significant long-term effects could be found concerning increase of knowledge about pharmacotherapy with antidepressants. Attitude towards "suicide in old age" also changed significantly. The training program was effective in improving knowledge and attitudes of geriatric caregivers concerning depression and suicidality.
Ziervogel
Anja
A
Department of Psychiatry, German Research Net on Depression and Suicidality, University of Munich, Munich, Germany. anja.ziervogel@psy.med.uni-muenchen.de
Pfeiffer
Tim
T
Hegerl
Ulrich
U
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011613:Psychotherapy; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods
D000928:Antidepressive Agents