title: Cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression in Parkinson's disease: a pilot study.
abstract: The present study was conducted to examine the feasibility and effect of an individual cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for depression that was modified to meet the unique needs of the PD patient and incorporated a separate social support intervention for caregivers. Fifteen PD patients with Major Depressive Disorder participated in the study with a caregiver. Patients received 10-14 sessions of modified individual CBT. Caregivers attended 3-4 psychoeducational sessions, occurring separately from the patients treatment sessions, which focused on strategies for offering appropriate support, and ways to respond to the patients' negative thoughts in a targeted manner. Patients experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and negative cognitions, and an increased perception of social support over the course of treatment. Gains were maintained at 1-month follow-up. In conclusion, individual CBT, when modified appropriately, may be a feasible and effective option for PD depression. Larger, randomized controlled trials are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of this intervention and to identify specific mechanisms of change.
authors: Department of Psychiatry, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA. dobkinro@umdnj.edu
authors: Roseanne DeFronzo
authors: RD
authors: Dobkin
authors: Lesley A
authors: LA
authors: Allen
authors: Matthew
authors: M
authors: Menza
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome