Work

Comparative Effectiveness of Clinician- Versus Peer-Supported Problem-Solving Therapy for Rural Older Adults With Depression

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Self-guided and peer-supported treatments for depression among rural older adults may address some common barriers to treatment. This pilot study compared the effect on depression of peer-supported, self-guided problem-solving therapy (SG-PST) with case management problem-solving therapy (CM-PST) among older adults in rural California. METHODS: Older adults with depression (N=105) received an introductory PST session with a clinician, followed by 11 sessions of CM-PST with a clinician (N=85) or SG-PST with a peer counselor (N=20). RESULTS: Both interventions resulted in clinically significant improvement in depression by week 12. Depression scores in the CM-PST group dropped by 4.1 points more than in the SG-PST group between baseline and week 12 (95% CI=0.99-7.22, p<0.001, Hedges's g=1.08). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that peer-supported SG-PST is a viable, acceptable option for rural older adults with depression as a second-line treatment if access to clinicians is limited.

Source: Psychiatric Services

DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20230027

Authors: Brooke Hollister, Rebecca Crabb, Patricia Areán

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco, University of Agder, University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Mental Health Treatment and Access

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Aging