An Expert System to Reduce Depression in Primary Care



Status:Completed
Conditions:Depression, Depression, Major Depression Disorder (MDD)
Therapuetic Areas:Psychiatry / Psychology, Pulmonary / Respiratory Diseases
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - Any
Updated:4/21/2016
Start Date:July 2003
End Date:June 2006

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The purpose of this study is to determine whether a home-based intervention matched to stage
of change (readiness) for using effective methods to prevent or reduce depression can
improve depression outcomes in primary care.

A variety of effective interventions exist for people who are willing to seek help for
depression. However, there is a lack of interventions for individuals who are not willing to
seek help or follow through with treatment recommendations. This is the first
population-based intervention for depression that is appropriate for individuals in all
stages of change—not merely the minority who are prepared to take action. Two primary care
samples were included: 1) patients at risk for or experiencing depression but not involved
in or planning treatment (Untreated Sample), and 2) patients newly prescribed antidepressant
medication (Antidepressant Sample). Patients from both samples were randomly assigned to
receive the intervention consisting of telephone assessments, a stage-based workbook, and
three individualized, computer-generated reports mailed to the home (n=443), or usual care
(n=459). Primary outcomes, assessed at 9 months, were change in depression severity,
reliable and clinically significant change in depression severity, stage of change for using
effective methods or prevent or reduce depression, onset of major depression if experiencing
only subclinical symptoms at baseline, and medication adherence. The study design included
an examination of whether the intervention effect was moderated by primary care sample,
baseline use of effective methods to prevent or reduce depression, and level of depression.

Inclusion Criteria:

- At risk for or experiencing depression (i.e., Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI)
score of 10 or higher; current major depression, minor depression, or dysthymia; or
past major depression, minor depression, or dysthymia)

Exclusion Criteria:

- Younger than age 18

- Involved in counseling or planning counseling in the next 30 days

- Taking antidepressant medication or planning to take antidepressants in the next 30
days (exclusion criterion for Untreated Sample only)

- Suicidal ideation

- Severe depression (BDI > 28) and deemed inappropriate for study by site clinician

- BDI <10 and in the Maintenance stage for using effective methods to prevent or reduce
depression

- History of bipolar disorder
We found this trial at
2
sites
Chicago, Illinois 60612
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Chicago, IL
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Newton, Massachusetts 02466
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Newton, MA
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