Group interpersonal psychotherapy for depression in rural Uganda: 6-month outcomes: randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
A randomised controlled trial comparing group interpersonal psychotherapy with treatment as usual among rural Ugandans meeting symptom and functional impairment criteria for DSM-IV major depressive disorder or sub-threshold disorder showed evidence of effectiveness immediately following the intervention.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the long-term effectiveness of this therapy over a subsequent 6-month period.


METHODS
A follow-up study of trial participants was conducted in which the primary outcomes were depression diagnosis, depressive symptoms and functional impairment.


RESULTS
At 6 months, participants receiving the group interpersonal psychotherapy had mean depression symptom and functional impairment scores respectively 14.0 points (95% CI 12.2-15.8; P<0.0001) and 5.0 points (95% CI 3.6-6.4; P<0.0001) lower than the control group. Similarly, the rate of major depression among those in the treatment arm (11.7%) was significantly lower than that in the control arm (54.9%) (P<0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Participation in a 16-week group interpersonal psychotherapy intervention continued to confer a substantial mental health benefit 6 months after conclusion of the formal intervention.
Bass
Judith
J
Center for International Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, 85 East Concord Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA. jbass@bu.edu
Neugebauer
Richard
R
Clougherty
Kathleen F
KF
Verdeli
Helen
H
Wickramaratne
Priya
P
Ndogoni
Lincoln
L
Speelman
Liesbeth
L
Weissman
Myrna
M
Bolton
Paul
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003153:Community Health Services; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012423:Rural Health; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014454:Uganda