Behavioral treatment of depression in patients with dementia.

Full Abstract

This article provides an overview of the theory, clinical application, and research data on behavioral treatment of depression in dementia patients. Behavioral theory of depression in nondemented adults indicates that decreased positive person-environment interactions initiate and maintain a cycle of depression that may be amenable to treatment. This same cycle is discussed as it appears in demented adults, and treatment is suggested. This treatment focuses on altering the aversive events and interactions that maintain patient depression, by increasing pleasant events and interactions, maximizing cognitive abilities, and teaching caregivers strategies for behavior change and effective problem solving. A 9-week clinical research protocol is provided with specific session-by-session content. Preliminary data are presented from a controlled clinical trial of this approach. Results thus far indicate that behavioral treatment is effective in reducing depression in patients with Alzheimer disease and in reducing the level of depression in their caregivers. The implications of these findings on future clinical care of patients and research directions are discussed.

Author information

Author/s: Teri, L (L);

Affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle 98195.

Grants: MH-43266 (Agency:NIMH NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.; Review

Journal: Alzheimer disease and associated disorders (Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1994-; vol 8 Suppl 3 (issue ) : pp 66-74

Dates: Created 1995/01/26; Completed 1995/01/26; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 7999348, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.