Screening, referral and treatment of depression by Australian cardiologists
- Authors: Hare, David , Stewart, Andrew , Driscoll, Andrea , Mathews, Stephanie , Toukhsati, Samia
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Heart Lung and Circulation Vol. 29, no. 3 (2020), p. 401-404
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Depression is common in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Clinical practice guidelines recommend routine depression screening by cardiologists. The aim of the study was to undertake a national survey of Australian cardiologists’ clinical practice behaviours in relation to depression screening, referral, and treatment. Methods: The Cardiovascular Disease and Depression Questionnaire was sent to 827 eligible cardiologist members of Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, of which a total of 524 were returned (63%). Results: Most Australian cardiologists do not routinely ask their patients about depression and only 3% routinely use depression screening instruments. Most cardiologists (>70%) think that General Practitioners (Primary Care Physicians) are primarily responsible for identifying and treating depression in CVD. Cardiologists, who understand the prognostic risks of depression in CVD and feel confident to identify and treat depression, were more likely to screen, refer and/or treat patients for depression. Conclusions: Australian cardiologists rarely use validated depression screening measures. Several brief instruments are available for use and can be easily integrated into routine patient care without taking additional consultation time. © 2019
- Description: This work was supported by the Beyond Blue Victorian Centre of Excellence in Depression and Anxiety. Prof Andrea Driscoll was supported by a Heart Foundation Future Leader fellowship 100472 from the National Heart Foundation of Australia.
Sense of belonging to the general and Lesbian communities as predictors of depression among Lesbians
- Authors: McLaren, Suzanne
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Homosexuality Vol. 56, no. 1 (2009), p. 1-13
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Research has indicated that a sense of belonging is important for mental health. This study investigated sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to the lesbian community as predictors of depression among self-identified lesbians (n = 178). Participants completed the Psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument and the Depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Results showed that although sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to the lesbian community were directly related to depression, only sense of belonging to the general community contributed significantly to the prediction of depression when they were entered together in a regression analysis. Sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to the lesbian community interacted in the prediction of depression. Low sense of belonging to the general community buffered the association between sense of belonging to the lesbian community and depression, while high sense of belonging to the general community exacerbated the association between sense of belonging to the lesbian community and depression. Results also showed that sense of belonging to the general community mediated the relation between sense of belonging to the lesbian community and depression. Results imply that enhancing a sense of belonging to the general community should be a priority for lesbians who do not feel that they belong to the lesbian community.
Sexual orientation, sense of belonging and depression in Australian men
- Authors: Jude, Belinda , McLaren, Suzanne , McLachlan, Angus
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Men's Health Vol. 6, no. 3 (2007), p. 259-272
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This research examined whether a sense of belonging in the community and sexual orientation were associated with depression among men. Australian heterosexual (n=136) and gay (n=137) men wre recruited through a variety of media, including newpapers, radio, and email, and directly at public events and in the street. Responses on the Sense of Belonging Instrument and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales indicated that gay ment reported lower levels of sense of belonging to the community and higher levels of depression compared with heterosexual men. Results revealed that sense of belonging to the community mediated the relation between sexual orientation and depression. The findings did not support the additive or moderation models. The results imply that, for the mental health of gay men to improve, their sense of belonging needs to increase but that a reduction in the level of homophobia in the general community would seem necessary for this to occur.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003005759
Mental health of older adults : the development and testing of a model
- Authors: Turner, Jayne
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: The high rates of depression and suicide among older adults have given rise to research which aims to identify factors that protect older people from mental illness. Recently, Bailey and McLaren (2005) developed and tested a model which investigated the relationships between engagement in various leisure activities performed alone or with others, sense of belonging, depression, and suicidal ideation. The present study examined an extended version of the mental health model, incorporating the additional variables of perceived freedom in leisure and physical health status. A sample of Australian males and females (N = 379) aged 65 years and over (M age = 77.23, SD = 7.48) completed the Perceived Freedom in Leisure Questionnaire, the Yale Physical Activity Survey,the Duke Health Profile, the Sense of Belonging Instrument, the Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depressive Scale, and the Suicide Subscale of the General Health Questionnaire. Results indicated that the model was invariant for gender, and accounted for 56% of the variance in suicidal ideation. The model indicated that physical health had direct relationships with each variable in the model. Perceived freedom in leisure predicted engagement in physical activity, sense of belonging-antecedent, and depression, whereas sense of belonging psychological state predicted depression and suicidal ideation. Results suggest that interventions aimed at improving older adults’ perceptions of freedom and personal choice with regard to their leisure experiences, maintaining optimal health, and increasing opportunities to foster feelings of belonging and relatedness with others, should protect against the development of mental ill health.
- Description: Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
Parent-mediated pathways to care for rural adolescents with depression
- Authors: Jamieson, Rachel
- Date: 2008
- Type: Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This research aimed to explore the role of parents in seeking help for rural adolescents with depression.
- Description: Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
Sense of belonging and depressive symptoms among GLB adolescents
- Authors: McCallum, Claire , McLaren, Suzanne
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Homosexuality Vol. 58, no. 1 (2011), p. 83-96
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Research has indicated that gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) adolescents are at an increased risk of mental health problems. Research has also indicated that experiencing a sense of belonging is important for one's mental health. This study investigated sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to a GLB specific youth group (Minus18) as predictors of depressive symptoms among self-identified GLB adolescents (N = 99). Participants completed the Sense of Belonging Instrument and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results showed that although sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to the Minus18 community were both directly related to depression, only sense of belonging to the general community contributed significantly to the prediction of depression when they were entered simultaneously in a regression analysis. Results also showed that sense of belonging to the general community mediated the relation between sense of belonging to the Minus18 community and depression. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at increasing sense of belonging to a GLBspecific community are likely to be of indirect benefit to the mental health of GLB adolescents, whereas interventions aimed at increasing sense of belonging to the general community are likely to be of direct benefit to the mental health of GLB adolescents. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
- Description: Research has indicated that gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) adolescents are at an increased risk of mental health problems. Research has also indicated that experiencing a sense of belonging is important for one's mental health. This study investigated sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to a GLB specific youth group (Minus18) as predictors of depressive symptoms among self-identified GLB adolescents (N = 99). Participants completed the Sense of Belonging Instrument and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results showed that although sense of belonging to the general community and sense of belonging to the Minus18 community were both directly related to depression, only sense of belonging to the general community contributed significantly to the prediction of depression when they were entered simultaneously in a regression analysis. Results also showed that sense of belonging to the general community mediated the relation between sense of belonging to the Minus18 community and depression. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at increasing sense of belonging to a GLBspecific community are likely to be of indirect benefit to the mental health of GLB adolescents, whereas interventions aimed at increasing sense of belonging to the general community are likely to be of direct benefit to the mental health of GLB adolescents. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
The course of depression 10-weeks post-acute coronary syndrome : Assessment using the cardiac depression visual analogue scale
- Authors: Di Benedetto, Mirella , Kent, Stephen , Lindner, Helen
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Psychology, Health and Medicine Vol. 13, no. 4 (2008), p. 483-493
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study investigated depressed mood post-acute coronary syndrome in an Australian sample using the Cardiac Depression Visual Analogue Scale (CD-VAS), which was developed to assess the depression-related symptoms of reduced pleasure, memory, activity, future pessimism, increased irritation and sleep problems. The Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Cardiac Depression Scale (CDS) and a demographic medical questionnaire were administered at 2 weeks post-ACS to an initial sample of 13 female and 45 male participants whose mean age was 59.16 (SD=11.13) years (range 38-79). Depressed and non-depressed participants, determined by the CDS, then kept a CD-VAS diary between 2 and 12 weeks. 32 participants kept the diary for the entire 10 weeks. Total CD-VAS scores remained elevated in the depressed group for the entire period. The groups differed on the Pleasure, Memory and Future items for a total of 6, 6 and 5 weeks, respectively, and differed on the Activity item only at 1, 3 and 5 weeks. No group differences were seen in the Irritation or Sleep items. Within the depressed group, the only CD-VAS items that differed from each other across time were Irritation and Activity. Further, the Sleep, Irritation and Activity items had a significant time effect. These results indicate that although overall depression, as measured by the CD-VAS, remained elevated in the depressed group, there were key differences in recovery rates of specific depression-related symptoms. These differences could be useful indicators in the treatment of depression post-ACS.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003006366
The psychological aftermath of prostate cancer treatment choices : A comparison of depression, anxiety and quality of life outcomes over the 12 months following diagnosis
- Authors: Couper, Jeremy , Love, Anthony , Dunai, Judy , Duchesne, G. M. , Bloch, Sidney , Costello, Anthony , Kissane, David
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medical Journal of Australia Vol. 190, no. 7 SUPPL. (2009), p. S86-S89
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: To assess the psychological impact of the different treatments for localised prostate cancer (PCA). Design, participants and setting: Observational, prospective study of consecutive patients with PCA attending clinics in public hospitals and private practices in metropolitan Melbourne between 1 April 2001 and 30 December 2005. Data were collected at initial diagnosis of histologically confirmed localised PCA, and close to the commencement of definitive treatment (Time 1), and 12 months later (Time 2). Patients were stratified according to treatment type (radical prostatectomy [RP], hormone therapy [HT] or other early treatment including radiation therapies [OET]). Patients who elected to undergo active surveillance/ watchful waiting (WW) rather than active treatment were treated as a naturalistic control group. Main outcome measures: Levels of depression and anxiety were assessed by the Brief Symptom Inventory, and physical and psychosocial aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) were assessed by the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Results: 211 patients with PCA were recruited; 193 completed the Time 1 questionnaires (38 RP, 56 HT, 38 OET and 61 WW); and 172 completed the Time 2 questionnaires (33 RP, 51 HT, 33 OET and 55 WW). At Time 1, the three active treatment groups all reported greater dysfunction in work role and daily activities compared with the WW group. The RP group also reported worse social and emotional role functioning, while the HT and OET groups reported poorer vitality levels. The HT group reported significantly higher depression scores. At Time 2, the RP and OET groups did not differ from the WW group on either HRQOL or psychological status. By contrast, the HT group reported significantly worse HRQOL (physical functioning, role-physical and vitality domains) and greater psychological distress compared with the WW group. Conclusions: Compared with the other active treatments for localised PCA, HT appears to be associated with poorer HRQOL and greater psychological distress 12 months after commencing treatment.
Anxiety and depression among long-term survivors of cancer in Australia : Results of a population-based survey
- Authors: Couper, Jeremy , Love, Anthony , Pollard, Annabel , Bloch, Sidney
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medical Journal of Australia Vol. 191, no. 5 (2009), p. 294-295
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
Supportive-expressive group therapy for women with metastatic breast cancer : Survival and psychosocial outcome from a randomized controlled trial
- Authors: Kissane, David , Grabsch, Brenda , Clarke, David , Smith, Graeme , Love, Anthony , Bloch, Sidney , Snyder, Raymond , Li, Yuellin
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Psycho-Oncology Vol. 16, no. 4 (2007), p. 277-286
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Mixed reports exist about the impact of supportive-expressive group therapy (SEGT) on survival. Methods: From 485 women with advanced breast cancer recruited between 1996-2002, 227 (47%) consented and were randomized within an average 10 months of cancer recurrence in a 2:1 ratio to intervention with 1 year or more of weekly SEGT plus three classes of relaxation therapy (147 women) or to control receiving three classes of relaxation therapy (80 women). The primary outcome was survival; psychosocial well-being was appraised secondarily. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. Results: SEGT did not prolong survival (median survival 24.0 months in SEGT and 18.3 in controls; univariate hazard ratio for death 0.92 [95% CI, 0.69-1.26]; multivariate hazard ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.74-1.51]). Significant predictors of survival were treatment with chemotherapy and hormone therapy (p<0.001), visceral metastases (p<0.001) and advanced disease at first diagnosis (p<0.05). SEGT ameliorated and prevented new DSM-IV depressive disorders (p = 0.002), reduced hopeless-helplessness (p = 0.004), trauma symptoms (p = 0.04) and improved social functioning (p = 0.03). Conclusions: SEGT did not prolong survival. It improved quality of life, including treatment of and protection against depression. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003007261
Resilience among men farmers : The protective roles of social support and sense of belonging in the depression-suicidal ideation relation
- Authors: McLaren, Suzanne , Challis, Chantal
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Death Studies Vol. 33, no. 3 (2009), p. 262-276
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study investigated the applicability of 3 models of resiliency for the prediction of suicidal ideation from depression (the risk factor) and social support and sense of belonging (the protective factors). A sample of 99 Australian men farmers completed measures of depression, suicidal ideas, social support, and sense of belonging. Sense of belonging compensated for high levels of depression, and social support, sense of belonging, and an increasing number of protective factors each weakened the depression-suicidal ideation relation. The findings are limited because of the small sample and reliance on self-report measures, but suggest that increasing social support and sense of belonging may benefit the mental health of men farmers.
- Description: 2003008021
The role of coping, anxiety, and stress in depression post-acute coronary syndrome
- Authors: Di Benedetto, Mirella , Lindner, Helen , Hare, David , Kent, Stephen
- Date: 2007
- Type: Journal article
- Relation: Psychology, Health and Medicine Vol. 12, no. 4 (2007), p. 460-469
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Depressive symptoms are common and can affect prognosis following acute coronary symdromes (ACS). This study examined the psychological factors, coping, anxiety, and perceived stress associated with depression, following ACS. Psychological variables were assessed in 15 females and 66 males (M=57 years, SD = 12). Repeated measures at 2, 12, and 24 weeks post-ACS compared depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and coping resources as determined by the Cardiac Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, and Coping Resources Inventory. Depression, anxiety, and perceived stress remained high in the depressed group across time. Coping scores at 2 weeks post-ACS predicted depression scores at 24 weeks post-ACS. It appears that trait anxiety and coping resources are related to depressive symptoms post-ACS.
- Description: 2003005780
A biopsychosocial model for depressive symptoms following acute coronary syndromes
- Authors: Di Benedetto, Mirella , Burns, Leonard , Lindner, Helen , Kent, Stephen
- Date: 2009
- Type: Journal article
- Relation: Psychology & Health Vol. , no. (2009), p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: A partial latent structural regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of perceived stress and coping resources on depression following acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in a sample of 113 participants (25 females and 88 males with a mean age of 57.61 years (SD = 12.63). Out of them, 55 participants were Australian born and 48 were born elsewhere, with 53 of the patients scoring in the mild to high depression range on the Beck Depression Inventory and the Cardiac Depression Scale. Perceived stress and coping resources, after controlling for age and smoking explained 89% of the variance in the latent variable depression. Higher perceived stress levels and fewer coping resources predicted higher levels of depression. Higher levels of perceived stress predicted fewer coping resources and fewer coping resources predicted higher levels of depression. There was a significant direct and indirect effect of perceived stress through coping on depression. Cognitive and physical coping resources were the best predictors of the depression construct. These results have potential implications for the treatment of depression post-ACS. In particular, cognitive and physical coping mechanisms and perceived stress reduction need to be addressed when treating depression post-ACS.
Socioeconomic status as a mediator of the relationship between depression and rurality in Australian adolescents
- Authors: Newnham, Krystal , Boyd, Candice , Newnham, Karyn , Aisbett, Damon , Francis, Kristy
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Rural Social Work and Community Practice Vol. 13, no. 2 (2008), p. 26-32
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The purpose of this study was to establish whether socioeconomic status would mediate the relationship between rurality and depression in a sample of Australian adolescents. Participants were 65 rural and 64 urban secondary school students from Years 11 and 12 who completed a survey that included a brief demographic questionnaire and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies - Depression Scale. Schools were selected for their degree of rurality as measured by the Accessibility and Remoteness Index for Australia, and the socioeconomic status of each individual was estimated via postal code using the Socio-Economic Index of Australia. Although a significant relationship between degree of rurality and depression was found, socioeconomic status did not mediate this relationship. These results suggest that the relationship between rurality and depression for young people is not due to simple differences in socioeconomic status between urban and rural areas. Other features of 'place' must be considered in accounting for rural-urban differences in adolescent depression.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003006059
The association of avoidance coping style, and perceived mother and father support with anxiety/depression among late adolescents : Applicability of resiliency models
- Authors: Gomez, Rapson , McLaren, Suzanne
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Personality and Individual Differences Vol. 40, no. 6 (2006), p. 1165-1176
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study examined the applicability of the compensatory, the risk-protective, the challenge, and the protective-protective models of resiliency for the prediction of anxiety/depression from avoidance coping style (the risk factor) and perceived mother and father support (the protective factors). A total of 331 participants, with age ranging from 18 to 20 years, completed self-rating questionnaires covering perceived mother support, perceived father support, avoidance coping style, and anxiety/depression. Results showed that for perceived mother support as the protective factor, there was support for the compensatory, the risk-protective, and the challenge models. With perceived father support as the protective factor, there was support for the compensatory and challenge models. When both perceived mother and father support were considered together, there was support for the protective-protective model. © 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003002027
Psychological morbidity and quality of life in women with advanced breast cancer : A cross-sectional survey
- Authors: Grabsch, Brenda , Clarke, David , Love, Anthony , McKenzie, Dean , Snyder, Raymond , Bloch, Sidney , Smith, Graeme , Kissane, David
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Palliative & Supportive Care Vol. 4, no. 1 (2006), p. 47-56
- Full Text: false
- Description: Objective: Our purpose was to determine the frequency of psychiatric morbidity and to assess the quality of life of women with advanced breast cancer. Methods: The 227 women in the sample were recruited in Melbourne, Australia, and were interviewed (prior to intervention) for a randomized controlled trial of supportive-expressive group therapy. The main outcome measures were DSM-IV psychiatric diagnoses plus quality of life data based on the EORTC QLQ-C30 (core) and QLQ-BR23 (breast module) instruments. Results: Forty-two percent of the women (97/227) had a psychiatric disorder; 35.7% (81) of these had depression or anxiety or both. Specific diagnoses were minor depression in 58 women (25.6%), major depression in 16 (7%), anxiety disorder in 14 (6.2%), and phobic disorder in 9 (4%). Seventeen (7.5%) women had more than one disorder. In terms of quality of life, one-third felt less attractive, one-quarter were dissatisfied with their body image, and, in most, sexual interest had waned. Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes affected less than one-third, whereas symptoms of lymphedema were experienced by 26 (11.5%). Significance: Women with advanced breast cancer have high rates of psychiatric and psychological disturbance. Quality of life is substantially affected. Clinicians need to be vigilant in monitoring psychological adjustment as part of a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach.
- Description: 2003007264
Co-morbid depression and chronic illness related to coping and physical and mental health status
- Authors: Di Benedetto, Mirella , Lindner, Helen , Aucote, Helen , Churcher, Jacqui , McKenzie, Stephen , Croning, Natalie , Jenkins, Erin
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Psychology, Health and Medicine Vol. 19, no. 3 (May 2014 2014), p. 253-262
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: A partial latent structural regression analysis was used to evaluate the role of coping resources, depression, diet and exercise on mental and physical health status. The sample consisted of 113 participants (59 females and 54 males) with a mean age of 59.38 years (SD = 10.52). Coping resources, depression and exercise explained 52 and 26% of the variance in mental and physical health status, respectively. Fewer coping resources predicted higher levels of depression and both predicted worse mental health. Only higher levels of depression predicted worse physical health status. There were also significant indirect effects of coping on mental and physical health status through depression. The development of cognitive, social and emotional coping strategies is important for managing depression and supporting positive mental health. These results highlight the important role of health psychologists in the care of individuals with chronic illness. Additionally, the management of depression is important in maintaining positive physical health.
Housing type and depressive symptoms among older adults: a test of sense of belonging as a mediating and moderating variable
- Authors: McLaren, Suzanne , Turner, Jayne , Gomez, Rapson , McLachlan, Angus , Gibbs, Petah
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aging & Mental Health Vol. 17, no. 8 (November 2013), p. 1023-1029
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: Higher levels of depression have been documented among older adults who reside in an assisted living facility, compared with those who remain in their own homes. The aims of the current study were to test whether the relationship between housing type and depressive symptoms was mediated by a sense of belonging and whether housing type and sense of belonging interact to influence the depressive symptoms among older adults (moderation model).Method: A sample of 257 older adults who lived in their own homes and 166 older adults who lived in an assisted living facility completed the psychological subscale of the Sense of Belonging Instrument and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.Results: Results showed that a sense of belonging partially mediated the relationship between housing type and depressive symptoms, such that living in a nursing home was associated with lower levels of belonging, and lower levels of belonging were, in turn, associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Residing in an assisted living facility was associated with depressive symptoms at low and average levels of belonging.Conclusion: Results highlight the need for more research on the role of sense of belonging as an influencing factor on depressive symptoms among institutionalised older adults for both theoretical and treatment goals.
- Description: C1
Sense of belonging to specific communities and depressive symptoms among Australian gay men
- Authors: Morris, Simon , McLaren, Suzanne , McLachlan, Angus , Jenkins, Megan
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Homosexuality Vol.62 , no.6 (2015), p.804-820
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Sense of belonging to the general and broader gay communities has been shown to be beneficial for gay men’s mental health. This research investigated the interrelations between sense of belonging to three forms of gay community (the broader gay community, gay groups, and gay friends), sense of belonging to the general community, and depressive symptoms by examining a path model. A community sample of 177 gay men, aged 18 to 79 years, completed the Sense of Belonging Instrument–Psychological subscale, the Centre for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale, and the Sense of Belonging within Gay Communities Scale. The model provided excellent fit to the data in which sense of belonging to the general community mediated the relationships between a sense of belonging to gay groups and with gay friends and depressive symptoms. Results imply that enhancing gay men’s sense of belonging to gay groups and with gay friends is likely to be associated with fewer depressive symptoms, by virtue of their enhanced sense of belonging to the general community.
Examining self-guided internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy for older adults with symptoms of anxiety and depression: Two feasibility open trials
- Authors: Dear, Blake , Zou, Judy , Ali, Shehzad , Lorian, Carolyn , Johnston, Luke , Terides, Matthew , Staples, Lauren , Gandy, Milena , Fogliati, Vincent , Klein, Britt , Titov, Nickolai
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Internet Interventions Vol. 2, no. (2015), p. 17-23
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Self-guided internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (iCBT) has considerable public health potential for treating anxiety and depression. However, no research has examined the use of self-guided iCBT, that is, treatment without contact with a clinician, specifically for older adults. The aim of the present study was to undertake a preliminary examination of the acceptability, efficacy and health economic impact of two entirely self-guided iCBT programs for adults over 60. years of age with anxiety and depression. Two separate single-group feasibility open trials of self-guided iCBT were conducted, the Anxiety Trial (n. =. 27) and the Depression Trial (n. =. 20), using the control groups of two randomized controlled trials. The online treatment packages consisted of five online educational lessons, which were delivered over 8. weeks without clinical contact. Participants rated the interventions as acceptable with more than 90% reporting the course was worth their time and more than 70% of participants completing at least 3 of the 5 lessons within the eight weeks. Significant reductions on measures of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item; GAD-7) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item; PHQ-9) were observed from pre-treatment to post-treatment in both the Anxiety Trial (GAD-7 Cohen's d=. 1.17; 95% CI: 0.55 to 1.75) and the Depression Trial (PHQ-9 Cohen's d=. 1.06; 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.73). The economic analyses indicated that there was statistically significant improvement in health-related quality of life compared to baseline and marginally higher costs associated with treatment for both the Anxiety Trial ($69.84; 95% CI: $4.24 to $135.45) and the Depression Trial ($54.98; 95% CI: $3.84 to $106.12). The results provide preliminary support for the potential of entirely self-guided iCBT for older adults with anxiety and depression and indicate larger scale and controlled research trials are warranted.