Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most common diagnosis made for individuals seeking treatment for depression. Although a wide range of treatments have been developed for the treatment of MDD, a significant proportion of patients fail to respond. This study examined the effectiveness of a 10-week behavioural activation intervention for individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the acceptability and impact of a standardized 10-week risk-targeted behavioral activation (RTBA) intervention as an augmentation strategy in the clinical management of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Methods: The study sample consisted of 118 individuals with TRD, who were currently absent from work and referred to an occupational rehabilitation service. The RTBA intervention was a 10-week standardized program consisting of weekly visits with a trained clinician. The objectives of treatment included symptom reduction, resumption of important life activities (including return to work) and improvement in quality of life. Measures of depression, perceived injustice, and catastrophic thinking were completed pre-, mid- and post-treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
118
10-week standardized behavioural activation program.
McGill University
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Depression symptom severity.
The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) was used to assess depressive symptom severity. PHQ-9 scores can range from 0 to 27 with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms.
Time frame: baseline/immediately after the intervention
Catastrophic thinking
The Symptom Catastrophizing Scale (SCS) was used to assess catastrophic appraisals of depressive symptoms. Scores on the SCS range from 0 to 14 where higher scores reflect a higher degree of catastrophic thinking.
Time frame: baseline/immediately after the intervention.
Perceived Injustice
The Injustice Experience Questionnaire - Short Form (IEQ-SF) was used to assess injustice appraisals. Scores on the IEQ-SF range from 0 to 10 where higher scores reflect a greater sense of injustice.
Time frame: baseline/immediately after the intervention.
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