Therapeutic Guidelines for the Self-Management of Major Depressive Disorder: Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Research
• Clinical Psychology
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) significantly impacts global mental health.
• Effective management strategies are crucial for patient well-being.
• Therapeutic guidelines support treatment self-management and involve caregivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically identify and categorize therapeutic guidelines for major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of self-management strategies for adults with MDD.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searched 12 databases and 5 gray literature sources for studies on MDD self-management guidelines.
• Included studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, focusing on adults aged over 18.

Main Results:

• 62 studies published between 2011 and 2023 were included.
• Seven major groups of therapeutic guidelines for self-management were identified: psychotherapy, healthy habits, integrative/complementary practices, relaxation techniques, professional consultation, pharmacological therapy, and leisure activities.
• Psychotherapy and healthy habits were the most frequently identified guideline categories.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic guidelines are vital for promoting self-management of major depressive disorder in adults.
• These guidelines empower patients to take an active role in their health.
• They serve as essential tools for healthcare professionals to enhance patient care and self-management skills.