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Experiences and Perceptions of Functional Recovery in Late-Life Depression: A Qualitative Study
Shannon Cardol1, Ilse Timmerman1, Jon Matthews1
1Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
International Journal of Mental Health Nursing
|December 2, 2025
Summary
Functional recovery in late-life depression is significantly influenced by stimulation, comfort, and affection. The aging process also plays a crucial role, emphasizing the need for personalized care for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Late-life depression significantly impacts functional recovery in older adults.
- Understanding patient perspectives is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore patient experiences with functional recovery in late-life depression.
- To identify key factors influencing recovery from the patient's viewpoint.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing purposive sampling of 12 participants (60+ years) with recent depression.
- Semi-structured interviews analyzed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis.
- Social Production Function (SPF) theory used as a deductive framework.
Main Results:
- Key themes for functional recovery include stimulation/activation (motivation, participation, balance, structure), affection (support, social connections), and comfort (managing comorbidities).
- The role of aging emerged as a significant factor, inseparable from recovery.
- Status and behavioral confirmation themes were less critical to recovery.
Conclusions:
- Functional recovery in late-life depression is multifactorial, involving psychological, social, and age-related elements.
- The Social Production Function theory effectively frames older adults' well-being goals in recovery.
- Findings support personalized care and provide a basis for intervention evaluation.
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