Behavioral Activation Program for Depression in Seniors

At a Glance

Age: 60 and older
Sex: Any
Study type: Interventional
Purpose: Treatment
Participants needed: 288 (estimated)
Sponsor: University of Washington · Other

Who this trial is looking for

This trial is looking for older adults dealing with depression who attend senior centers in Seattle, NYC, or Tampa. Participants will receive support to engage in enjoyable activities as part of a program run by trained volunteers.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

You may be able to join if

I am 60 years old or older.
I attend a participating senior center.
I have a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score of 10 or higher.

You may not be able to join if

I currently have thoughts of harming myself.
I have other serious mental health issues.
I have a severe medical condition.
I cannot speak English or Spanish.

Summarized in plain language from this trial's official eligibility criteria. The full criteria are further down this page — only the research team can confirm whether you qualify.

About This Trial

In response to large numbers of senior center clients who suffer untreated depression and the dearth of geriatric mental health providers, the investigators have simplified Behavioral Activation to be delivered by lay volunteers ("Do More, Feel Better"; DMFB). The focus of Behavioral Activation is to guide clients to reengage in daily pleasant and rewarding activities, and reduce depressive sympto…

Trial Locations

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Eligibility Criteria

Client Participants (anticipated enrollment: 288) Inclusion Criteria: Referral to study (stage 1): 1. Age ≥ 60 years. 2. Attends one of 18 participating Seattle, NYC, or Tampa area senior centers. 3. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score of ≥10 via routine screening. Research assessment (st…

Client Participants (anticipated enrollment: 288) Inclusion Criteria: Referral to study (stage 1): 1. Age ≥ 60 years. 2. Attends one of 18 participating Seattle, NYC, or Tampa area senior centers. 3. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score of ≥10 via routine screening. Research assessment (stage 2): 1. Clinically-assessed HAM-D\>14 2. Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) ≥ 24 OR modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (mTICS) ≥ 19 3. Off antidepressants or on a stable dose for 12 weeks. 4. Capacity to provide written consent for both research assessment and the BA intervention. Client Participants Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current active suicidal ideation. 2. Presence of psychiatric diagnoses other than unipolar, non-psychotic major depression or generalized anxiety disorder by SCID-V (Structure Clinical Interview for DSM-V). 3. Severe or life-threatening medical illness (e.g., end stage organ failure). 4. Inability to speak English or Spanish Volunteer Participants (anticipated enrollment: 36) Inclusion Criteria 1. Age ≥ 60 years. 2. Attends one of the participating Seattle, NYC, or Tampa-area senior centers. Volunteer Participants Exclusion Criteria 1. Current major depressive disorder, alcohol or substance abuse, or manic, hypomanic, or psychotic symptoms (SCID-V); 2. Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) ≥ 24 OR modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (mTICS) ≥ 19; 3. Inability to speak and read English or Spanish Clinician Participants (anticipated enrollment: 36) Inclusion Criteria 1. Master's degree in social work, counseling, marriage/family, or other clinical mental health degree 2. English or Spanish Speaking 3. Capacity to provide consent for all study procedures 4. Willing to audio record study sessions for supervision and evaluation Clinician Participants Exclusion Criteria 1. Non-English or Non-Spanish speaking 2. Does not hold a Master's degree in social work, counseling, marriage/family, or other clinical mental health degree 3. Unable to provide consent 4. Unwilling to audio record study sessions for supervision and evaluation

Contacts

Brittany Mosser

206-616-2129

dmfb@uw.edu

CONTACT

Dylan Fisher