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The Depression in Visual Impairment Trial (DEPVIT): trial design and protocol
BMC Psychiatry
|June 8, 2012
Summary
This study investigates depression treatments for visually impaired individuals, finding Problem Solving Therapy (PST) and NICE
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Psychiatry
- Health Services Research
Background:
- High prevalence of depression in visually disabled individuals.
- Lack of integrated depression screening and treatment in visual rehabilitation services.
- Limited evidence on depression treatment effectiveness in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of depression treatments on people with visual impairment and comorbid depression.
- To establish depression screening and referral protocols in UK visual rehabilitation clinics.
- To explore the efficacy of Problem Solving Therapy (PST) and the NICE 'stepped care' approach.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory, multicentre, individually randomised waiting list controlled trial.
- Randomisation to Problem Solving Therapy (PST), referral to GP (NICE 'stepped care'), or waiting list.
- Primary outcome: change in depressive symptoms (Beck's Depression Inventory - BDI-II) at 6 months.
Main Results:
- (Results not yet available as this is a protocol/exploratory study description)
Conclusions:
- Depression is common in people with disabling visual impairment.
- This study aims to integrate depression screening and treatment into visual rehabilitation.
- It will be the first to explore PST efficacy and NICE 'stepped care' effectiveness for this group.
