ICBT for Depression in Older Adults
- Conditions
- Active ControlInternet Treatment
- Interventions
- Behavioral: Internet-delivered tailored cognitive behavior therapy
- Registration Number
- NCT05269524
- Lead Sponsor
- Linkoeping University
- Brief Summary
The study was a randomized controlled trial investigating treatment effects against an active control condition. 101 self-recruited participants, aged 65 to 88 years, were included. The intervention was a 10-week internet-based tailored CBT protocol consisting of 6-10 pre-defined modules tailored to patient profile and preferences. Participants in the treatment group benefitted more than participants in the control condition on almost all measures with moderate between-group effect-sizes.
- Detailed Description
Depression in older adults is associated with poorer functioning, worsened cognitive impairment and disability, as well as medical illnesses. It can also increase the risk of suicide and is associated with a high usage of medical services. It is common that depressive symptoms co-occur with other psychiatric symptoms (i.e. anxiety). In the case of co-morbidity, patients present with greater difficulties and the problems tend to be more persistent. Together this stresses the importance of developing effective treatments. Psychological treatments can be effective but are rarely offered and thus alternative modes of treatment delivery should be considered such as internet interventions. Design: The study was a randomized controlled trial investigating treatment effects against an active control condition. Participants: 101 self-recruited participants, aged 65 to 88 years, were included. Intervention: The intervention was a 10-week internet-based tailored CBT protocol consisting of 6-10 pre-defined modules tailored to patient profile and preferences. Measurements: Depression, anxiety, life quality and cognitive decline were assessed through self-reported measures together with an online test of cognitive flexibility. Results: Participants in the treatment group benefitted more than participants in the control condition on almost all measures with moderate between-group effect-sizes. Cognitive decline improved during treatment and neither cognitive decline, nor cognitive flexibility predicted treatment outcome. Conclusion: The study adds to the evidence of internet-delivered psychological treatment for depression, with or without psychiatric comorbidities, in older adults. It also highlights the possibility of perceived cognitive decline as being part of the clinical picture and reversible, rather than reason for exclusion from for psychological treatment.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 101
- age 65 years or older
- presence of depressive symptoms
- living in Sweden
- access to the internet and a computer on a regular basis.
- heightened suicidal ideation
- drug or alcohol abuse or dependency
- other ongoing psychological treatment
- severe psychiatric or cognitive problems
- unstable psychopharmacological medication
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Treatment Internet-delivered tailored cognitive behavior therapy Therapist-guided internet treatment. Attention control Internet-delivered tailored cognitive behavior therapy Non-directive supportive contact via email.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) Change pre to 10-week post GDS scores range between 0 and 15, and five or less are considered within normal range
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Beck Depression Inventory II Change pre to 10-week post For the 21 item BDI-II the maximum score is 63 points and scores below 14 are considered minimal depression.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University
🇸🇪Linköping, Östergötland, Sweden