Psychosocial Group Interventions for Depression

Psychosocial Group Interventions for Depression: Systemic and Neurophysiological Correlates of Treatment Effect. A Randomized, Controlled Trial

A total of 384 patients suffering from chronic depressive disorder will be randomized to receive treatment as usual, CBASP, or befriending for a period of five months. The primary outcome is change in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Scale. Secondary outcomes include changes in self-reported psychiatric symptoms, biomarkers determined from venous blood samples, and neurophysiological parameters. The data gathering is performed at pre- and post intervention stages (i.e., at baseline and at five months). A follow-up questionnaire is sent to the participants six months after the intervention.

The efficacy of 20-week group-CBASP as compared to TAU is evaluated by RCT in a psychiatric outpatient clinics. The recruition is completed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-65
• Moderate or severe major depression with duration of a minimum of two years OR "double depression" (dysthymia and moderate/severe major depression simultaneously) OR moderate or severe major depression with duration of a minimum of two years, only partially remitted during the time period

Exclusion Criteria:

• Psychotic disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Current substance abuse (excluding nicotine)