Intervention for minor depression in primary care patients

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Medicine
• Psychiatry and Psychology

Background:

• Minor depression is prevalent in primary care settings.
• Effective interventions for minor depression in this population are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for minor depression in primary care patients.
• To assess the intervention's impact on depressive symptomatology, somatic symptoms, and healthcare utilization.

Main Methods:

• 150 primary care patients with minor depression were randomized to an 8-week cognitive-behavioral intervention or a control group.
• Assessments were conducted at post-intervention, 6 months, and 1 year follow-up.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significant reductions in depressive symptomatology, sustained at 1-year follow-up.
• Somatic symptoms associated with depression were also reduced by the intervention.
• Patients receiving the intervention missed fewer primary care appointments in the year following treatment.

Conclusions:

• The cognitive-behavioral intervention is a feasible and effective treatment for minor depression in primary care.
• The intervention reduces depressive and somatic symptoms and improves healthcare engagement.