Social support program for older veterans with depression
VOICES Socials for Older Veterans With Depression
This study tests whether a weekly social support program can help older veterans with depression feel better by connecting them with peers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 33 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Bedford, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06145334 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The VOICES Veterans Socials program aims to support older veterans experiencing depression through weekly peer-led social groups. This intervention focuses on enhancing social functioning and mental health by fostering sustainable social connections. The study will involve semi-structured interviews to identify barriers to social engagement and will evaluate the effectiveness of the social groups through participant feedback and questionnaires. The goal is to refine the program for future implementation and research.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans aged 65 or older who have a documented depressive disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or those with active substance use disorders, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health and social well-being of older veterans suffering from depression.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that peer-led social interventions can effectively improve mental health outcomes in similar populations, suggesting a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Documented depressive disorder or score of 2 or more on the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) * Capacity to consent as determined by the University of California, San Diego Brief Assessment of Capacity to Consent (UBACC) * Score of 1 or more on question 3 of the UCLA-3 OR score of 3 or less on question 4 of the Lubben Social Network Scale 6 (LSNS-6) Exclusion Criteria: * DSM-5 diagnosis of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder or Bipolar Disorder * Symptoms of psychosis that would interfere with study participation * Probable Dementia as determined by the 6-item Cognitive Impairment Screener * Suicidal ideation with plan or intent * Non-English speaking * Active substance use disorder (DSM-5) (within 30 days of study entry)
Where this trial is running
Bedford, Massachusetts
- VA Bedford HealthCare System, Bedford, MA — Bedford, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jay Gorman, PsyD — VA Bedford HealthCare System, Bedford, MA
- Study coordinator: Jay Gorman, PsyD
- Email: Jay.Gorman@va.gov
- Phone: (781) 687-4562
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.