A Tripartite Biopsychosocial Intervention Program Enhances Mental Health and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients With Depression Secondary to Geriatric Diseases
A Tripartite Biopsychosocial Intervention Program Enhances Mental Health and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients With Depression Secondary to Geriatric Diseases
The biopsychosocial integrated intervention program is an effective model for improving holistic health in elderly patients with geriatric disease-related secondary depression, significantly alleviating depressive symptoms, enhancing mental health, and elevating quality of life.
To investigate the effects of a tripartite biopsychosocial intervention program on mental health and quality of life in elderly patients with depression secondary to geriatric diseases. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with 166 elderly patients with secondary depression in our hospital between January 2022 and January 2025. Wards were randomized into an intervention group (n = 83) and a control group (n = 83) using SPSS-generated random sequences. The intervention group received a biopsychosocial integrated program, while the control group received standard psychiatric care. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 months post-intervention using the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17), mental health indicators [Profile of Mood States (POMS), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF)], and the Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOLI-74). Patient satisfaction was evaluated post-intervention.
Inclusion Criteria:
Diagnosis of depression secondary to geriatric disease (ICD-10 criteria)
Age ≥60 years
Baseline HAMD-17 score ≥14 (mild depression or worse)
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥24 (no significant cognitive impairment)
Willing and able to provide informed consent (patient or guardian)
Stable on current medications for ≥4 weeks prior to enrollment
Exclusion Criteria:
Primary psychiatric disorders:
Schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
Severe personality disorders
Active suicidal ideation or psychotic symptoms
Recent treatment history:
Antipsychotic medication within 3 months
Electroconvulsive therapy within 6 months
Participation in other interventional trials
Neurological conditions:
Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia
Parkinson's disease with cognitive impairment
Brain tumors or traumatic brain injury
Medical comorbidities:
Terminal illness with life expectancy <6 months
Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
Severe hepatic/renal insufficiency (GFR <30 mL/min)
Substance abuse disorders (alcohol or drugs within past year)