Low-income depressed older adults with psychiatric comorbidity: secondary analyses of response to psychotherapy and case management.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the influence of comorbid anxiety and personality disorders on depression treatment response in 67 low-income older adults.


METHODS
Participants were randomized to clinical case management, cognitive-behavioral group therapy, or both for 6 months. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 6 and 12 months after treatment.


RESULTS
Dropout and depression diagnoses were similar across groups. Participants with comorbidity had more depressive and anxiety symptoms at most time points; degree of improvement did not differ significantly. Of participants with personality disorder, none met criteria at post-treatment (three relapsed by 12-month follow-up).


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest depressed low-income elders with anxiety or personality disorders can be retained and benefit from depression treatment, but may require additional interventions to achieve similar levels of depressive symptoms.
Gum
Amber M
AM
Department of Aging and Mental Health, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, MHC 1400, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. agum@fmhi.usf.edu
Areán
Patricia A
PA
Bostrom
Alan
A
D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications; D019090:Case Management; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000150:complications; D011203:Poverty; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016896:Treatment Outcome