Interpersonal vs. supportive group psychotherapy for depression attributed to work stress: study protocol of the...

Area of Science:

• Occupational health psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Psychotherapy research

Background:

• Occupational stress-related depression is common, leading to significant sick leave and economic burden.
• Existing interventions show limited effects on depressive symptoms and work outcomes.
• Controlled studies on work-directed interventions are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare a specific interpersonal therapy for depression and work stress (IPT-Work) with supportive group psychotherapy (SP).
• To assess the impact of interventions on depressive symptomatology and work-related outcomes.
• To inform the practice of psychological group treatment for depressed employees with work stress.

Main Methods:

• A 3-year, multicentre, active-controlled, cluster-randomised clinical trial with 144 outpatients.
• Interventions: 10 sessions of IPT-Work vs. SP over 8 weeks.
• Primary endpoint: change in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-24) at 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include work ability, resilience, and sick leave.

Main Results:

• The study will compare symptom improvement and work ability changes between the two groups.
• Analysis will use linear mixed models to assess treatment effects.
• Findings will be available after study completion and data analysis.

Conclusions:

• Results will guide the effectiveness of work-directed vs. non-work-directed interventions for work stress depression.
• Aims to enhance mental healthcare for employees, facilitating recovery and reducing long-term incapacity.
• Findings will inform clinical practice regarding psychological group treatments for this population.