Behavioral Activation for Depression in Older Adults in Primary Care

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized multicenter study in Sweden tests a telephone-delivered behavioral activation intervention against treatment as usual for adults 65 and older with major or sub-threshold depression. The goal is to determine effects on depressive symptoms, depression diagnosis, anxiety, and quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to start the behavioral activation treatment or continue standard care, with activities aimed at increasing meaningful and enjoyable behaviors. The intervention builds on prior pilot work showing that telephone support can reduce depressive symptoms and maintain gains over six months. Recruitment targets 250 participants across participating centers under the DepActive framework.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants should fulfill criteria for current major depressive episode or sub-threshold depressive episode.
* Eligible participants should be 65 years or older, should be fluent in spoken and written Swedish to understand the treatment materials, have access to telephone, and be interested in participating in the trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe depression, elevated suicide risk, current substance use disorder, current or previous manic or hypomanic episodes, current psychotic disorder, and current diagnosis of minor or major neurocognitive disorder or suspected neurocognitive disorder with \< 24 points on the Mini Mental State Examination number 3, MMSE-NR3.
* ongoing psychotherapy

Where it's running

• Dept Public Health and caring sciences, Uppsala university
  Uppsala, Sweden Recruiting
• Uppsala university
  Uppsala, Uppland, Sweden Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mattias Damberg, MD, Associate Professor — Uppsala university, Dept. Public Care and Health Sciences
• Study coordinator: Mattias Damberg, MD
• Email: mattias.damberg@uu.se
• Phone: +46739480910

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.