Behavioural activation for depression in older people: systematic review and meta-analysis. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Orgeta, Vasiliki; Brede, Janina; Livingston, Gill
• Is Part Of: British journal of psychiatry. Volume 211:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 274
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.117.205021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1250

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Behavioural activation is an effective treatment for depression in the general adult population but it is unclear whether it is effective for older people. Aims: To systematically review randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of behavioural activation for depression in older people. Method: We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and online trial registers for RCTs of behavioural activation for depression in older people. Results: Eighteen trials were included in the meta-analyses. Behavioural activation reduced mean depression scores for older people living in the community as a stand-alone treatment: standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.72, 95% Cl −1.04 to −0.41. It was also effective as part of a multicomponent intervention (SMD −0.44, 95% CI −0.56 to −0.32). Conclusions: Behavioural activation significantly reduces depressive symptoms in older people in the community; however, given that most studies are small and with significant bias results should be interpreted with caution. Further high-quality trials of behavioural activation for this age group are needed.