Depression is one of the leading causes of emotional suffering in later life. It has been estimated that 2-5% of community-dwelling elderly people suffer from major depression, but according to recent studies, as much as 25 % have clinically significant depressive symptoms.Typically, depressive symptoms in the elderly are treated solely with antidepressants. The aim of this project is to study the effects of a comprehensive psychosocial intervention on the psychological well-being, quality of life and use of services in depressed elderly people. In addition, the processes of intervention are studied from the perspective of the participants as well as the service system. The research is conducted in collaboration with the city of Espoo. The design of the study combines clinical trial with qualitative process analysis.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
200
The model includes a psychiatric nurse as a care manager, a multiprofessional team with a physiotherapist, psychologist and psychiatrist. Each participant receives individually tailored services such as therapeutic groups, conversation groups, physical exercise, music therapy, art therapy and nutritional counseling
Central Union for the Welfare of the Aged
Helsinki, Finland
RECRUITINGAlleviating depressive symptoms measured with Geriatric Depression Scale
Time frame: base line, 6 months, 1 year
Quality of life measured with WHO QuolBref
Time frame: base line, 6 months, 1 year
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