Behavioral Activation to prevent and treat depression in older adults
Official title: Behavioral Activation for the Prevention and Treatment of Depression in Older Adults in a Municipal Context: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Sormland County Council, Sweden · NCT06415838 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a short therapy called Behavioral Activation can help older adults in Sweden prevent and treat depression while comparing it to their usual care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sormland County Council, Sweden Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Eskilstuna, Sörmland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 27, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2025 |
| Study ends | August 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 16, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06415838 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are older adults aged 65 and above who exhibit depressive symptoms and are fluent in Swedish.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with major neurocognitive disorders, elevated suicide risk, or those currently undergoing psychological treatment may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a brief psychological treatment called Behavioral Activation (BA) for preventing and treating depression in older adults within a municipal context in Sweden. Participants aged 65 and older will be randomized to receive either the BA treatment, consisting of five sessions over two months, or continue with their usual care. The study aims to assess the impact of BA on various factors including depressive symptoms, anxiety, functional ability, and overall quality of life. Additionally, it will gather insights from both patients and therapists regarding their experiences with the treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for older adults suffering from depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise for behavioral activation in treating depression, suggesting this approach may be effective in similar contexts.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 65 years or older * 5 points or above on the Geriatric Depression Scale 15, GDS-15 * Fluent in written and spoken Swedish * Consents to participate in the trial Exclusion Criteria: * Not able to use the patient materials due to visual impairment * Not able to communicate with therapist due to hearing impairment * Diagnosis of major neurocognitive disorder * Below 25 points on the Mini Mental State Examination, MMSE * Elevated suicide risk * Current substance- or alcohol use disorder * Previous or current psychotic disorder * Previous or current bipolar disorder * Ongoing psychological treatment/pscyhotherapy
Where it's running
-
Eskilstuna kommun
Eskilstuna, Sörmland, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Johnny Pellas, PhD — Research and Development Sormland
- Study coordinator: Johnny Pellas, PhD
- Email: johnny.pellas@pubcare.uu.se
- Phone: +46702319795
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.