A community-based intervention for treating depression in seniors.
This study piloted and refined a community-based behavioural intervention for depressed seniors. The intervention, based on Lewinsohn's Control Your Depression, was administered in bibliotherapy format adapted for seniors. It was delivered in a minimal-contact format by home care nurses. The intervention was tested and refined in a series of3 multiple-baseline studies, each with 2 participants. Each series consisted of baseline, 6 weekly treatment sessions, and 3-month follow-up. Series A tested the feasibility of the intervention. Series B examined the role of pleasant activities as a pivotal part of the treatment. Series C replicated the findings of series B and tested the final version of the intervention. In all the series, there was a reduction in depression that remained at 3-month follow-up. The results indicate that this form of intervention can be supported by home care nurses working with an underserved population that is prone to depression.
Guirguis-Younger
Manal
M
Faculty of Human Sciences, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. myounger@ustpaul.ca
Cappeliez
Philippe
P
Younger
Alastair
A
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001638:Bibliotherapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009864:Ontario; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016896:Treatment Outcome