Group treatment for older adults with psychological distress

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 study focuses on providing existential group treatment to older adults aged 75 and above who experience psychological distress, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety. The intervention aims to facilitate discussions about existential issues, including aging and death, which are often overlooked in traditional mental health care. Participants will either engage in group therapy sessions or receive supportive telephone calls to address their emotional suffering and improve their quality of life. The study is conducted in primary care settings in Sweden, where older adults often lack access to appropriate mental health interventions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Be aged 75+
2. Have increased levels of psychological distress (GHQ-12 ≥3)
3. Be interested in participating in a research project in which they will receive either group treatment or supportive telephone calls.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Other ongoing psychological treatment
2. Indications that the group format will be unsuitable due to conditions such as clinical diagnosis of dementia or MMSE ≤25, ongoing severe alcohol use disorder, ongoing post- traumatic stress disorder, ongoing psychotic or manic episodes, or other mental health problems necessitating the offering of other specified treatment, as identified by the M.I.N.I.
3. Inadequate knowledge of Swedish
4. Acute suicide risk according to the M.I.N.I.

Where it's running

• Närhälsan Slottsskogen vårdcentral
  Gothenburg, Sweden Recruiting
• Närhälsan Majorna Vårdcentral
  Gothenburg, Sweden Recruiting
• Närhälsan Högsbo vårdcentral
  Gothenburg, Sweden Recruiting
• Vårdcentralen Wästerläkarna
  Gothenburg, Sweden Recruiting
• Capio vårdcentral Orust
  Henån, Sweden Recruiting
• Vårdcentralen Kusten Ytterby
  Ytterby, Sweden Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Margda Waern, Professor — Göteborg University
• Study coordinator: Isak Erling, Psy M
• Email: isak.erling@gu.se
• Phone: +46762502060

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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.