Efficacy of a brief cognitive-behavioral intervention in caregivers with high depressive symptoms

In this study the effects of a brief intervention for the prevention of depression in nonprofessional caregivers were evaluated. 170 participants (Mage= 55.1 years, SD= 9.0) with high depressive symptoms were randomized to either a group receiving a cognitive-behavioral intervention (n= 88) or a usual care control group (n= 82). The intervention was implemented in five weekly 90 minutes sessions, in groups of 4-5 participants. The analysis of results showed the existence of significant differences between the intervention and the control group in incidence of depression (1.1% vs.12.2%), decrease of depressive symptoms, which had a large effect size (d= 1.05), and clinically significant improvement (70.5% vs. 24.4%). Moreover, significant changes in emotional distress in favor of the intervention group occurred. The results suggest the efficacy of the brief cognitive-behavioral intervention for prevention of depression in nonprofessional caregivers.