Behavioral Activation for the Treatment of Depression in Older Adults

Depression affects between 5-15% of adults ≥ 65 years in Sweden. Depression in older adults reduces functional ability and quality of life, and increases the risk for morbidity, loneliness, and suicide. Psychological treatment is recommended as a first-line treatment for depression, which about 3% of older adults with depression in Sweden report receiving. One effective psychological treatment is behavioral activation, which reduces depressive symptoms by increasing enjoyable, meaningful and important activities, for example exercise and social activities. The research group conducted a pilot study of telephone based behavioral activation for isolated older adults with depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intervention consisted of four telephone calls, and the results showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms, with maintained effects for six months. 250 individuals will participate in the study. Half of the participants will be randomised to start the intervention immediately, while the other half of the participants will be randomized to a control group receiving treatment as usual at their respective primary care center. Participants will be asked to fill in questionnaires before, after treatment. Questionnaires will also be sent 3- and 6 months after treatment to follow up on the results. Patients will be asked to wear an accelerometer for 5-7 days to record their activity level at baseline, post-intervention and after 3-months. A smaller group of participants (10-15) will be asked to participate in a more detailed interview about how they experienced the treatment.