Cognition Disorders, Depression
Conditions
Keywords
Geriatrics
Brief summary
This study will compare the effectiveness of Problem Solving Therapy and Brief Supportive Therapy in treating elderly patients with major depression and thought problems.
Detailed description
Patients who suffer from a combination of major depression and executive dysfunction symptoms often respond poorly to treatment with antidepressants. It is important, therefore, to find effective alternative therapies to treat these symptoms. Patients are randomly assigned to receive 12 sessions (1 session/week for 12 weeks) of either PST or BST. Following treatment, patients are followed for 6 months to determine functional and clinical outcomes. Depression scales, disability scales, and scales that measure problem solving skills are used to assess patients.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALProblem Solving Therapy
A 12 week cognitive behavioral intervention for depression that teaches patients a structured approach to solving social problems.
BEHAVIORALBrief Supportive Therapy
A 12 week intervention for depression that focuses on supporting patients attempts to cope with depression.
Sponsors
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
University of Washington
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Nonpsychotic, unipolar major depression * Cognitive impairment * English speaking
Exclusion criteria
* High suicide risk * Dementia * Acute or severe medical illness * Current psychotherapy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression | Measured at screening, weeks 1 through 12, and week 36 |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed