This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Behavioural activation therapy found to prevent depression
A study led by the University of Leeds, University of York, and Durham University has indicated that behavioural activation therapy is useful in staving off the development of depression in older people.
The trial involved 705 people aged 65 and older who already possessed mild symptoms of depression and were at risk of becoming clinically depressed.
Half of the participants were randomised to the Collaborative Care group, in which they received the behavioural activation treatment, while the remaining half were randomised to a control group who visited their GP as usual.
The behavioural activation therapy involved eight weekly 30-minute sessions administered by a case manager with a background in mental health nursing or psychology. The first session was delivered face to face and subsequent sessions were delivered over the phone, which helped ensure accessibility.
At the four-month follow-up, 17.2 per cent of the Collaborative Care group had clinical depression, compared to 23.5 per cent in the control group.
Dr Gemma Traviss-Turner, a senior research fellow in the School of Medicine at the University of Leeds, said: “The activities we do are related to how we feel. Behavioural activation uses a brief psychological approach which helps people re-engage with social activities that bring pleasure.
“If people are unable to do the things they used to enjoy, perhaps because their body will no longer allow it, they are encouraged to think about alternative ways to remain mentally and physically active.
“This can prevent them from withdrawing from society, which is common in those suffering depression and can make things worse.”
Della Bailey, one of the therapists working on the study, commented: “Older people found Collaborative Care to be an acceptable way of accessing help. We mostly worked with people over the telephone and found that participants appreciated this approach. This also meant that older people did not have to travel to hospital to receive psychological care.”
Latest News
16/02/2024 - 12:56
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has created a new alliance intended to clean dirty air and improve residents' health.
16/02/2024 - 10:44
Two million more GP appointments a month are being delivered for patients compared to the same month before the pandemic as part of the NHS primary care access recovery plan according to new NHS data.
15/02/2024 - 10:26
The Welsh Government has provided innovation funding of £380,000 to support two projects utilising technology in domiciliary care.
15/02/2024 - 10:13
The new Scottish health secretary has met with frontline staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
14/02/2024 - 10:27
The North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) has appointed three new Executive Directors to the Trust Board.
Product Features
UK Building Regulations highlight toxic gas and smoke from layers of paint built up over multiple redecorations as a major cause of permanent ill health or death in a building fire.
Their concern rose with discovery the flame retardant paints most widely used paint along escape routes have been ones which to this day counter-productively use emission of heavy toxic gas to smother flames which rapidly spread along walls if layers of paint delaminate in a fire.
Supplier Profiles
Northwich’s Victoria Infirmary (VIN) Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has enabled more patients
Adveco, the commercial hot water specialist, announces the launch of live metering of domestic ho
Latest Features
Sarah Greenslade, public affairs and communications officer at the British Parking Association looks at some of the problems and innovations in healthcare parking
It’s easy to assume that the comms team is there to handle press enquiries and the occasional social media storm – but the reality is that strategic communications can make a measurable impact across the entire organisation, from operational to financial, when done properly
