Effect of psychoeducation in late life depression: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and after the global pandemic COVID-19, it has become even more worse. The treatment of depression should involve pharmacological treatment along with the various kinds of psychotherapies (non-pharmacological management). This study aims to determine the result of psychoeducation in late-life depression by using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17 items (HAMD) and Geriatric Depression Scale (Hindi version) (GDS-H). Material and Methods: The study was registered on the Control Trial Registry of India (CTRI) via CTRI/2019/05/018956. It is a prospective randomized controlled trial of 4 weeks, where 154 patients aged more than 60 years were randomized into two groups, case group (A) (n = 83) who received psychoeducation along with treatment as usual, whereas control group (B) (n = 71) who received placebo along with treatment as usual. The patients were assessed using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17 items (HAMD), Geriatric Depression Scale (Hindi version) (GDS-H) on baseline visit (Day 0), on first follow-up (Day 14), and second follow-up (Day 28). Hindi Mental Status Examination (HMSE) was used on the baseline visit to rule out primary cognitive impairment. Results: The results were analyzed, and it was concluded that both the groups have significant decrease in HAMD-17 and GDS-30 scores over a period of time with a P-value of <0.001 in both.