A Randomized Controlled Trial of Brief Behavioral Activation for Older Adult Cancer Survivors (BBA-OACs)
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Brief Behavioral Activation for Older Adult Cancer Survivors (BBA-OACs)
The purpose of this study is to find out if a psychotherapy method called brief behavioral activation (BBA) can improve depression, anxiety, and overall well-being and encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors in English- and Spanish-speaking Older Adult Cancer Survivors (OACS). BBA is a therapeutic technique that guides people to set goals and engage in enjoyable or rewarding activities as a way of changing behavior and reducing symptoms of depression. In this study, BBA will be given by telephone or videoconference (remotely).
Inclusion Criteria:
As per self-report or medical record, ≥65 years old
As per self-report or medical record, has a history of cancer
As per medical record and/or self-report:
Fluent in English or Spanish, as per self-reported fluency of "well" or "very well"*
As per self-report, able to communicate over video-conference and/or phone for sessions
Elevated score on the PHQ-9: ≥8 (N/A for Training Case participants)
Received a Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration Scale (BOMC) score of ≤ 11 (N/A for Training Case participants)
Exclusion Criteria:
As per PI determination, requires a higher level of care for current passive or active suicidal ideation than current protocol is able to provide. If a participant receives a score of > 0 on item 9 of the PHQ-9, they will be referred to study PI for further evaluation using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSR) (MSK Standard) to determine level of risk;. Only those with active suicidal ideation will be excluded and referred to a higher level of care.
As per self-report or as documented in the medical record, current untreated (e.g., no medication, no therapy) major psychotic disorder (schizotypal personality disorder, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder). Patients diagnosed with a major psychiatric disorder will be reviewed by the study PI to determine eligibility prior to consent.
As per self-report or medical record, currently taking antidepressant medication for < 3 month
As per self-report, engagement in regular individual psychotherapeutic support that the participant is unable or unwilling to put on hold for the course of the study
[MSK patients only] As per medical record, patient has impaired decision-making capacity
Language verification: Prior to enrollment, patients will be asked the following two questions by research staff to verify English or Spanish fluency necessary for participation in the study:
jamesr@mskcc.org646-888-0263
646-888-0263