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Public Health Article

The effects of psychotherapy on reducing depression in residential aged care: A meta-analytic review



Review Quality Rating: 8 (strong)

Citation: Cody R, & Drysdale K. (2013). The effects of psychotherapy on reducing depression in residential aged care: A meta-analytic review. Clinical Gerontologist, 36(1), 46-69.


Abstract

Published and unpublished randomized controlled trials of psychotherapeutic treatments for depression in residential aged care were systematically reviewed. A medium effect size was found to favor psychotherapy for reducing symptoms of depression in residents (average age, 79.8 years) based on 17 trials. The effect was maintained at follow-up, but was weaker and not statistically significant when interventions were compared with active control conditions in 6 trials. There was heterogeneity across studies; however, potential moderating factors were difficult to identify due to large within-study variance. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) 15-item version produced a larger effect size than did the GDS-30, and an integrated care approach was more effective than providing psychological interventions independent of aged care staff.


Keywords

Adults, Behaviour Modification, Education, Awareness & Skill Development or Training, Mental Health & Wellness, Meta-analysis, Older Adults, Residential Centre, Senior Health, Social Media & Mass Marketing, Social Support

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