TY - JOUR

T1 - A systematic review and meta-analysis of group psychotherapy for sub-clinical depression in older adults

AU - Krishna, Murali

AU - Honagodu, Abhjit

AU - Rajendra, Rajgopal

AU - Sundarachar, Rajesh

AU - Lane, Steven

AU - Lepping, Peter

PY - 2013/8/5

Y1 - 2013/8/5

N2 - ObjectivesStudies investigating the effectiveness of group psychotherapy intervention in sub-threshold depression have shown varying results with differing effect sizes. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials of group psychotherapy in older adults with sub-threshold depression was conducted to present the best available evidence in relation to its effect on depressive symptomatology and the prevention of major depression.MethodsSystematic search of electronic databases and random effects model for meta-analysis.ResultsFour clinical trials met the full inclusion criteria. Group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective intervention for reducing depressive symptoms in older adults with sub-threshold depression in comparison to waiting list. Computerised CBT is at least as effective as group CBT in reducing depressive symptoms. The benefit of group CBT at follow-up is not maintained. Group psychotherapy does not appear to reduce the risk of depressive disorder during follow-up. There are fewer drop outs from group psychotherapy when compared with control conditions. The methodological quality of the studies and their reporting are sub-optimal.ConclusionsGroup psychological interventions in older adults with sub-threshold depression have a significant effect on depressive symptomatology, which is not maintained at follow-up. Group psychotherapy does not appear to reduce the incidence of major depressive disorders.

AB - ObjectivesStudies investigating the effectiveness of group psychotherapy intervention in sub-threshold depression have shown varying results with differing effect sizes. A systematic review of randomised controlled trials of group psychotherapy in older adults with sub-threshold depression was conducted to present the best available evidence in relation to its effect on depressive symptomatology and the prevention of major depression.MethodsSystematic search of electronic databases and random effects model for meta-analysis.ResultsFour clinical trials met the full inclusion criteria. Group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective intervention for reducing depressive symptoms in older adults with sub-threshold depression in comparison to waiting list. Computerised CBT is at least as effective as group CBT in reducing depressive symptoms. The benefit of group CBT at follow-up is not maintained. Group psychotherapy does not appear to reduce the risk of depressive disorder during follow-up. There are fewer drop outs from group psychotherapy when compared with control conditions. The methodological quality of the studies and their reporting are sub-optimal.ConclusionsGroup psychological interventions in older adults with sub-threshold depression have a significant effect on depressive symptomatology, which is not maintained at follow-up. Group psychotherapy does not appear to reduce the incidence of major depressive disorders.

U2 - 10.1002/gps.3905

DO - 10.1002/gps.3905

M3 - Article

VL - 28

SP - 881

EP - 888

JO - International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

JF - International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

SN - 0885-6230

IS - 9

ER -