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A randomized controlled trial of a psychoeducational group program for unipolar depression in adults in Norway
1Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Marcus Thranes gt, 6, P,O, 4404 Oslo, Norway. odd.steffen.dalgard@fhi.no
Background:
Coping with Depression Course (CWD) has shown to be effective in the treatment of depression. However, there are very few randomized controlled trials on unipolar depression in adults.
Aims:
To test the effect of a modified CWD on unipolar depression in a randomized controlled trial design in adults.
Methods:
Participants were recruited through mass media, tested by BDI and clinical interview, and randomized into intervention group (N = 81) and control group (N = 74). The program was mainly conducted by nurses with background in psychiatry and primary health care, and the intervention encompassed 8 weekly sessions of 2 1/2 hours, with 3 booster sessions.
Results:
By "intention-to-treat" analysis a statistically significant effect on depressive symptoms at follow up at 6 months was found, and the level of symptoms was sustained after 12 months.
Conclusion:
The study shows that the intervention is effective in the treatment of unipolar depression, and suitable for specialized psychiatric services as well as primary health care.