David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Beneficial self-help strategies for sub-threshold depression identified
By Liam Davenport
03 October 2008
J Affect Dis 2008; Advance online publication
A range of self-help strategies for people with sub-threshold depression are likely to be helpful and are easy to implement, conclude Australian scientists.
Sub-threshold depressive symptoms cause a substantial disability burden in the population and are typically managed with self-help strategies. But strategies that are likely to be helpful and should be encouraged have not been identified.
Anthony Jorm and Amy Morgan from the University of Melbourne therefore convened an international panel of 63 depression patients who were currently well and had taken a publicly visible role in depression, and 34 experts in depression.
A literature search yielded 2214 self-help strategies, of which the team selected 282 and grouped them as physical and sensory methods, psychological methods, interpersonal strategies, lifestyle and other, substances, dietary changes, medicines/dietary supplements, vitamins and minerals, plant or herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, and combined preparations. The panel rated the likely helpfulness of each strategy in reducing symptoms, and then their feasibility, each on a 5-point scale.
A total of 48 strategies were endorsed as being helpful by both panels, with patients endorsing more strategies than professionals, at 70 versus 46. While ratings of helpfulness significantly correlated between patients and professionals, at a correlation coefficient of 0.93, there were some large differences, particularly for the strategies "Reduce responsibilities and commitments for a while" and "Have a warm bath or shower," which were endorsed by more than 80% of consumers and less than 40% of professionals.
Few strategies were rated as highly feasible by both panels. Just two strategies were rated by at least 80% of patients as very easy or easy to carry out, compared with 11 by professionals. There was, again, significant correlation, at a correlation coefficient of 0.81.
After eliminating strategies rated as being difficult to implement, the team selected a final list of 15 helpful strategies, which included exercise or physical activity, good sleep hygiene, regular sleep schedule, doing enjoyable things, maintaining involvement in purposeful activities, rewards for reaching small goals, relaxation methods, talking over problems or feelings with someone supportive and caring, informing family and friends, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
The team writes in the Journal of Affective Disorders: "The next phase of the project will construct messages based on these strategies and evaluate their promotion to individuals with sub-threshold depression, in a randomized, controlled trial."
Abstract
By Liam Davenport
03 October 2008
J Affect Dis 2008; Advance online publication
A range of self-help strategies for people with sub-threshold depression are likely to be helpful and are easy to implement, conclude Australian scientists.
Sub-threshold depressive symptoms cause a substantial disability burden in the population and are typically managed with self-help strategies. But strategies that are likely to be helpful and should be encouraged have not been identified.
Anthony Jorm and Amy Morgan from the University of Melbourne therefore convened an international panel of 63 depression patients who were currently well and had taken a publicly visible role in depression, and 34 experts in depression.
A literature search yielded 2214 self-help strategies, of which the team selected 282 and grouped them as physical and sensory methods, psychological methods, interpersonal strategies, lifestyle and other, substances, dietary changes, medicines/dietary supplements, vitamins and minerals, plant or herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, and combined preparations. The panel rated the likely helpfulness of each strategy in reducing symptoms, and then their feasibility, each on a 5-point scale.
A total of 48 strategies were endorsed as being helpful by both panels, with patients endorsing more strategies than professionals, at 70 versus 46. While ratings of helpfulness significantly correlated between patients and professionals, at a correlation coefficient of 0.93, there were some large differences, particularly for the strategies "Reduce responsibilities and commitments for a while" and "Have a warm bath or shower," which were endorsed by more than 80% of consumers and less than 40% of professionals.
Few strategies were rated as highly feasible by both panels. Just two strategies were rated by at least 80% of patients as very easy or easy to carry out, compared with 11 by professionals. There was, again, significant correlation, at a correlation coefficient of 0.81.
After eliminating strategies rated as being difficult to implement, the team selected a final list of 15 helpful strategies, which included exercise or physical activity, good sleep hygiene, regular sleep schedule, doing enjoyable things, maintaining involvement in purposeful activities, rewards for reaching small goals, relaxation methods, talking over problems or feelings with someone supportive and caring, informing family and friends, and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
The team writes in the Journal of Affective Disorders: "The next phase of the project will construct messages based on these strategies and evaluate their promotion to individuals with sub-threshold depression, in a randomized, controlled trial."
Abstract
