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Published on: February 22, 2018
Efficacy of peer support interventions for depression: a meta-analysis
Paul N Pfeiffer1, Michele Heisler, John D Piette
1Health Services Research and Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. ppfeiffe@med.umich.edu
General Hospital Psychiatry
|March 1, 2011
Summary
Peer support interventions effectively reduce depression symptoms compared to usual care. They show comparable results to group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), indicating a viable alternative for depression management.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Research
- Clinical Psychology
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Depression is a prevalent mental health condition requiring effective treatment strategies.
- Peer support offers a unique, non-clinical approach to mental wellness.
- The efficacy of peer support interventions for depression needs rigorous evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of peer support in alleviating depressive symptoms.
- To compare peer support interventions against usual care and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and CENTRAL databases up to April 2010.
- Inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing peer support to usual care or psychotherapy.
- Meta-analysis to determine pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) in depressive symptom reduction.
Main Results:
- Seven RCTs (869 participants) showed peer support significantly reduced depressive symptoms versus usual care (SMD = -0.59, P=.002).
- Seven RCTs (301 participants) found no significant difference between peer support and group CBT (SMD = 0.10, P=.53).
Conclusions:
- Peer support interventions demonstrate efficacy in reducing depression symptoms.
- Further research is recommended for primary care and resource-limited settings.
- Peer support presents a promising, evidence-based option for depression management.
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