Title | Comparative Effectiveness of Clinician- Versus Peer-Supported Problem-Solving Therapy for Rural Older Adults With Depression. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2024 |
Authors | Hollister, B, Crabb, R, Areán, P |
Journal | Psychiatr Serv |
Volume | 75 |
Issue | 9 |
Pagination | 925-928 |
Date Published | 2024 Sep 01 |
ISSN | 1557-9700 |
Keywords | Aged, Aged, 80 and over, California, Case Management, Depression, Depressive Disorder, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Peer Group, Pilot Projects, Problem Solving, Psychotherapy, Rural Population |
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. |
DOI | 10.1176/appi.ps.20230027 |
Alternate Journal | Psychiatr Serv |
PubMed ID | 38650489 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC11366500 |
Grant List | R01 AG043584 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States |