Geriatric Mental Health Alliance News
A bi-weekly email to brief you on issues important to geriatric mental health
December 22, 2008 - Vol 2, Issue 13
December 22, 2008 - Vol 2, Issue 13
Tough Budget But GMH Demos Will Continue
The Governor's Executive Budget Request, released on December 16th, included $3.5 billion in cuts to Medicaid and other health care services, including aging service programs. Most of the cuts were to hospitals and nursing homes, some of which will be reinvested in outpatient and community based services, including mental health services.
Cuts to mental health and aging were not as large, but will have an impact. The general approach in the mental health and aging budgets is to not provide a cost of living adjustment and to delay start-up of new programs included in prior year budgets.
We are still analyzing the budget. Our concerns include:
- The proposed decrease in the state share of the SSI payment
- Changes in the pharmacy coverage in Medicaid and EPIC
- Phase out of 6000 nursing home beds into new assisted living program beds
- And more
We hope you will join us in our advocacy efforts with the state legislature.
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NYC Council Restores Elder Abuse Programs
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NYC Senior Center RFP Withdrawn
After months of debate, the City has decided to re-evaluate DFTA's plan to modernize senior centers. The announcement was made on December 19th at a City Hall press conference. City Council and Borough President funds, which were going to be used for senior center contracts, will be released to programs.
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New DFTA Commissioner
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GMHA Upcoming Events
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Other Upcoming Events
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LifeSPAN
The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) Wellness Initiative "LifeSPAN" was developed in response to the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors' (NASMHPD) multi-state study that revealed persons with serious mental illness (SMI) die 25 years earlier than the general population. As alarming as that is, what is even more astounding is that their increased morbidity and mortality are largely due to treatable medical conditions that are caused by modifiable risk factors such as smoking, obesity, substance abuse, and inadequate access to medical care.
The goal of LifeSPAN is to engage service recipients, families and providers in collaborative programs which offer understandable and achievable means of living healthier and longer lives. The focus of LifeSPAN is on reducing cardiometabolic risk factors, those behaviors and physiologic processes that substantially increase the risk of medical morbidity and death among people with SMI.
To read the full summary, click here.
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Supported/Shared Living Survey
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Health and Aging Policy Fellows: 2009-2010 Call for Applications
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Article...Imaging Compound May Help Predict Alzheimer's Disease
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Article...AHRQ Research Activities
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Article...NIA Study to Examine Early, Inherited Form of Alzhiemer's
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Article...NIH: Gingko Study Fails To Show Benefit in Preventing Dementia
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Article...Depression Research: Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
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Article...AARP Report Finds Value of Family Caregiving Hits $375 Billion
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Article...New Treatment Hope For People With Recurring Depression
The NYC Department for the Aging Commissioner, Edwin Mendez Santiago resigned last week. Commissioner Mendez Santiago was a strong leader and advocate for older adults in NYC, and he understood the importance of geriatric mental health services. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.
Lilliam Barrios-Paoli has been appointed as the new DFTA Commissioner. Barrios-Paoli has had a long career in both City government and the nonprofit sector. Most recently, she has served as President and Chief Executive Officer at Safe Space since 2004. Prior to joining Safe Space, she served as Senior Vice President and Chief Executive for Agency Services at United Way of New York City. Barrios-Paoli's has served as Commissioner at three city agencies -- the Department of Employment, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the Human Resources Administration.
We look forward to working with Ms. Barrios-Paoli as we continue to advocate for improved services and policies for elders with mental disorders.
Lilliam Barrios-Paoli has been appointed as the new DFTA Commissioner. Barrios-Paoli has had a long career in both City government and the nonprofit sector. Most recently, she has served as President and Chief Executive Officer at Safe Space since 2004. Prior to joining Safe Space, she served as Senior Vice President and Chief Executive for Agency Services at United Way of New York City. Barrios-Paoli's has served as Commissioner at three city agencies -- the Department of Employment, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the Human Resources Administration.
We look forward to working with Ms. Barrios-Paoli as we continue to advocate for improved services and policies for elders with mental disorders.
GMHA Upcoming Events
January 20, 2009 - Models of Substance Abuse Treatment for Older Adults: A Best Practices Presentation in Geriatric Mental Health co-sponsored by the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance of New York and the Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging and Longevity of Hunter College.
This presentation will give an overview of the issues faced by seniors with substance abuse disorders, including the dynamics of substance abuse among this population and information about effective treatment models for older adults.
The event will be held from 3:00 - 5:00PM at the Hunter College School of Social Work - Auditorium, 129 East 79th Street, NYC, (Between Lexington and Park Avenues). Please register by clicking here or visit: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2f56lfkfongg4b8/start. If you have any questions, please email or call Yusyin Hsin at yhsin@mhaofnyc.org or (212) 614-6356. The event is free but pre-registration is required.
This presentation will give an overview of the issues faced by seniors with substance abuse disorders, including the dynamics of substance abuse among this population and information about effective treatment models for older adults.
The event will be held from 3:00 - 5:00PM at the Hunter College School of Social Work - Auditorium, 129 East 79th Street, NYC, (Between Lexington and Park Avenues). Please register by clicking here or visit: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2f56lfkfongg4b8/start. If you have any questions, please email or call Yusyin Hsin at yhsin@mhaofnyc.org or (212) 614-6356. The event is free but pre-registration is required.
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May 15, 2009 - Save-the-Date - Third Annual Geriatric Mental Health Alliance Conference.
More information soon.
May 15, 2009 - Save-the-Date - Third Annual Geriatric Mental Health Alliance Conference.
More information soon.
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Other Upcoming Events
January 06, 2009 - The Integration of Behavioral Health and Primary Care The Institute for Family Health's Faculty Development Program presents a training about existing models for integration, Problem Solving Therapy and Behavioral Activation, Psychopharmacology, strategies to maximize productivity and patient outcomes through efficient use of behavioral health services in a primary care setting, and more.
For more information, please click here.
January 09, 2009 - Mental Health and Quality of Life Improvement A one-day event to discuss behavioral problems and their treatment in dementia, diagnosis and course of depressive illness in older persons, mental health aspects of bereavement and widowhood, and more. The event will be from 8:00am to 5:00pm at Manhattan VAMC (423 East 23rd St., New York, NY 10010). Go to www.nygec.org and click on Registration and then choose the appropriate elective. Or, contact Brenda Rodriguez at (212) 998-5618 or brenda.rodriguez@nyu.edu
For event flyer, click here.
January 29, 2009 - Veterans and Suicide Prevention A presentation and discussion of the issues surrounding the care of veterans in the NYC area. This event will be from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Holliswood Hospital (87-37 Palermo St., Holliswood, NY)
March 18-22, 2009 - Allied Tea Training for Parkinson (ATTP) The National Parkinson Foundation, Inc is pleased to announce its signature educational program for health care professionals and students. Allied Team Training for Parkinson is a unique, comprehensive interdisciplinary training program where over 4.5 consecutive days, participants will learn:
RRTI 2008-9 Geriatrics and Developmental Disabilities Nurse Training Program The Rehabilitation Research and Training Institute is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2008-2009 Geriatrics and Developmental Disabilities Nurse Training Program. For a full list of courses and their descriptions and registration, please visit www.rrti.org. Nurses with all levels of training are invited to register for these free courses. Please note that a certificate is available for those Nurses who complete C1-C4 and Nursing Contact Hours can be obtained. For more information and questions, please contact Matt Yaeger at matt@nyrehab.org or 518-449-2976 ext 101. Courses start September 17, 2008 at various videoconference sites.
This continuing education activity has been submitted to the New York State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation
Educational Seminar Series at Service Program for Older People (SPOP) This training opportunity features SPOP clinicians who have extensive experience with older adults and mental health. It is offered to the professional geriatrics community and all who work with seniors. Each seminar is held at: 302 West 91st Street at West End Avenue, New York, NY. Seminar fee: $15. Discount for 3 or more attendees from the same organization. Space is limited. Please register in advance by mail or online at www.spop.org or call: 212-787-7120.
For topics, dates, and registration information, click here.
Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers
GNYGEC 2008/2009 is beginning another semester of Core and Elective trainings throughout the five boroughs. Click here for the 2008/2009 program announcement, registration form, credit card forms, and training locations. You may also register online here.
For more information, please click here.
January 09, 2009 - Mental Health and Quality of Life Improvement A one-day event to discuss behavioral problems and their treatment in dementia, diagnosis and course of depressive illness in older persons, mental health aspects of bereavement and widowhood, and more. The event will be from 8:00am to 5:00pm at Manhattan VAMC (423 East 23rd St., New York, NY 10010). Go to www.nygec.org and click on Registration and then choose the appropriate elective. Or, contact Brenda Rodriguez at (212) 998-5618 or brenda.rodriguez@nyu.edu
For event flyer, click here.
January 29, 2009 - Veterans and Suicide Prevention A presentation and discussion of the issues surrounding the care of veterans in the NYC area. This event will be from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Holliswood Hospital (87-37 Palermo St., Holliswood, NY)
March 18-22, 2009 - Allied Tea Training for Parkinson (ATTP) The National Parkinson Foundation, Inc is pleased to announce its signature educational program for health care professionals and students. Allied Team Training for Parkinson is a unique, comprehensive interdisciplinary training program where over 4.5 consecutive days, participants will learn:
- Key symptoms and treatment approaches for early, middle, and late stage Parkinson disease
- Specialized assessment and care techniques specific to their profession
- How to participate in interdisciplinary health care teams by practicing in teams
- Key concepts in health literacy and culturally responsive services
RRTI 2008-9 Geriatrics and Developmental Disabilities Nurse Training Program The Rehabilitation Research and Training Institute is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2008-2009 Geriatrics and Developmental Disabilities Nurse Training Program. For a full list of courses and their descriptions and registration, please visit www.rrti.org. Nurses with all levels of training are invited to register for these free courses. Please note that a certificate is available for those Nurses who complete C1-C4 and Nursing Contact Hours can be obtained. For more information and questions, please contact Matt Yaeger at matt@nyrehab.org or 518-449-2976 ext 101. Courses start September 17, 2008 at various videoconference sites.
This continuing education activity has been submitted to the New York State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation
Educational Seminar Series at Service Program for Older People (SPOP) This training opportunity features SPOP clinicians who have extensive experience with older adults and mental health. It is offered to the professional geriatrics community and all who work with seniors. Each seminar is held at: 302 West 91st Street at West End Avenue, New York, NY. Seminar fee: $15. Discount for 3 or more attendees from the same organization. Space is limited. Please register in advance by mail or online at www.spop.org or call: 212-787-7120.
For topics, dates, and registration information, click here.
Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers
GNYGEC 2008/2009 is beginning another semester of Core and Elective trainings throughout the five boroughs. Click here for the 2008/2009 program announcement, registration form, credit card forms, and training locations. You may also register online here.
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LifeSPAN
The NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) Wellness Initiative "LifeSPAN" was developed in response to the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors' (NASMHPD) multi-state study that revealed persons with serious mental illness (SMI) die 25 years earlier than the general population. As alarming as that is, what is even more astounding is that their increased morbidity and mortality are largely due to treatable medical conditions that are caused by modifiable risk factors such as smoking, obesity, substance abuse, and inadequate access to medical care.
The goal of LifeSPAN is to engage service recipients, families and providers in collaborative programs which offer understandable and achievable means of living healthier and longer lives. The focus of LifeSPAN is on reducing cardiometabolic risk factors, those behaviors and physiologic processes that substantially increase the risk of medical morbidity and death among people with SMI.
To read the full summary, click here.
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Supported/Shared Living Survey
NYSACRA is researching Shared Living options for New York State and are seeking input on a survey about supported/shared living as an alternative to the traditional models of community residential supports in New York State.
There are two versions, one for provider agencies and one for people with disabilities and/or their families. Please complete the version relevant to your situation.
Click on this link to complete the Supported/Shared Living Survey
Click on this link to complete the Supported/Shared Living For People with Disabilities and their Families
If you are aware of others who would like to complete the survey, please pass it along.
There are two versions, one for provider agencies and one for people with disabilities and/or their families. Please complete the version relevant to your situation.
Click on this link to complete the Supported/Shared Living Survey
Click on this link to complete the Supported/Shared Living For People with Disabilities and their Families
If you are aware of others who would like to complete the survey, please pass it along.
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Health and Aging Policy Fellows: 2009-2010 Call for Applications
Supported by The Atlantic Philanthropies and directed by Harold Alan Pincus, MD, Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University (in collaboration with the American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship Program), this national program seeks to provide professionals in health and aging with the experience and skills necessary to make a positive contribution to the development and implementation of health policies that affect older Americans. The program offers two different tracks for individual placement: (1) a residential track that includes a nine-to-12-month placement in Washington, D.C. (as a legislative assistant in Congress, a professional staff member in an executive agency or in a policy organization) or at a state agency; and (2) a non-residential track that includes a health policy project and brief placement(s) throughout the year at relevant sites. Core program components focused on career development and professional enrichment are provided for fellows in both tracks.
The program is open to physicians, nurses and social workers at all career stages (early, mid, and late) with a demonstrated commitment to health and aging issues and a desire to be involved in health policy at the federal, state or local level. Other professionals with clinical backgrounds (e.g., pharmacists, dentists, clinical psychologists) working in the field of health and aging are also eligible to apply. Under special circumstances, exceptions may be made for non-clinicians who are in positions that can impact health policy for older Americans at a clinical level.
The application deadline for the 2009-2010 fellowship year is April 15, 2009.
For further information, please visit the website at www.healthandagingpolicy.org .
The program is open to physicians, nurses and social workers at all career stages (early, mid, and late) with a demonstrated commitment to health and aging issues and a desire to be involved in health policy at the federal, state or local level. Other professionals with clinical backgrounds (e.g., pharmacists, dentists, clinical psychologists) working in the field of health and aging are also eligible to apply. Under special circumstances, exceptions may be made for non-clinicians who are in positions that can impact health policy for older Americans at a clinical level.
The application deadline for the 2009-2010 fellowship year is April 15, 2009.
For further information, please visit the website at www.healthandagingpolicy.org .
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Article...Imaging Compound May Help Predict Alzheimer's Disease
A new brain imaging study has found that elderly people can develop a key hallmark of Alzheimer's disease in the brain without any evidence of cognitive impairment. The researchers hope that their detection method will one day help predict who will develop Alzheimer's disease in 5 to 10 years.
Click here to read more.
Click here to read more.
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Article...AHRQ Research Activities
Changes in Cost to Patients Reduce New Use of Antidepressants Among The Elderly, But Have Less Impact on Continued Use
Greater cost-sharing requirements reduce the likelihood that elderly adults with depression will begin using needed antidepressant medications, but has little effect on those who are already taking such medications, according to a new study. The researchers funded in part by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) used two closely timed changes in costs to elderly patients in the Canadian Province of British Columbia to shed light on the likely impact of changes in prescription drug coverage in the United States as persons go from private insurance copayments (fixed payment per prescription) for medications to Medicare coinsurance (fixed percentage of the cost per prescription) with deductibles.
Click here to read more.
Greater cost-sharing requirements reduce the likelihood that elderly adults with depression will begin using needed antidepressant medications, but has little effect on those who are already taking such medications, according to a new study. The researchers funded in part by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) used two closely timed changes in costs to elderly patients in the Canadian Province of British Columbia to shed light on the likely impact of changes in prescription drug coverage in the United States as persons go from private insurance copayments (fixed payment per prescription) for medications to Medicare coinsurance (fixed percentage of the cost per prescription) with deductibles.
Click here to read more.
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Article...NIA Study to Examine Early, Inherited Form of Alzhiemer's
NIA Study to Examine Early, Inherited Form of Alzheimer's-NIH Funds International Network in Search of Biological Clues
The adult children of people diagnosed with inherited Alzheimer's disease are the focus of a new study to better understand the biology of the disease. Researchers are seeking 300 volunteers with a biological parent with a known genetic mutation causing rare and typically early-onset forms of the disorder to join the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Disease Network (DIAN) study, a six-year, $16 million study funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The scientists hope to identify the sequence of brain changes in early-onset Alzheimer's, even before symptoms appear, and by understanding this process, to also gain insight into the more common late-onset form of the disease.
Press Release: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/nov2008/nia-19.htm
The adult children of people diagnosed with inherited Alzheimer's disease are the focus of a new study to better understand the biology of the disease. Researchers are seeking 300 volunteers with a biological parent with a known genetic mutation causing rare and typically early-onset forms of the disorder to join the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Disease Network (DIAN) study, a six-year, $16 million study funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The scientists hope to identify the sequence of brain changes in early-onset Alzheimer's, even before symptoms appear, and by understanding this process, to also gain insight into the more common late-onset form of the disease.
Press Release: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/nov2008/nia-19.htm
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Article...NIH: Gingko Study Fails To Show Benefit in Preventing Dementia
NIH: Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study Fails To Show Benefit in Preventing Dementia in the Elderly
The dietary supplement Ginkgo biloba was found to be ineffective in reducing the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older people, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers conducted the trial known as the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study at four clinical sites over the course of 8 years. GEM is the largest clinical trial ever to evaluate ginkgo's effect on the occurrence of dementia. This research was co-funded by five components of the NIH: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; NIA; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Press Release: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/nov2008/nccam-18.htm
The dietary supplement Ginkgo biloba was found to be ineffective in reducing the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older people, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers conducted the trial known as the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study at four clinical sites over the course of 8 years. GEM is the largest clinical trial ever to evaluate ginkgo's effect on the occurrence of dementia. This research was co-funded by five components of the NIH: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; NIA; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the Office of Dietary Supplements.
Press Release: http://www.nih.gov/news/health/nov2008/nccam-18.htm
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Article...Depression Research: Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
Depression Research: Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
Medical News Today
December 4, 2008
Research revealed today outlines the success of group-taught meditation therapies, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) when treating depression.
The Dove Clinic for Integrated Medicine offers a course of MBCT sessions that aim to teach patients the skills needed to help recognise and cope with the signs of depression.
Dr Richard Fuller of The Dove Clinic says, "Mindfulness approaches help us to focus on the present moment, rather than re-living the past or pre-living the future. This can help to halt the escalation of negative thought spirals and help with regaining control and confidence, and increase self-esteem."
The new research, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology comapred patients undergoing group therapies with those taking conventional anti- depressant drugs.
For more information about the MBCT programme on offer at The Dove Clinic, and how the approach can benefit you, please visit http://www.doveclinic.com.
To read more, click here.
Medical News Today
December 4, 2008
Research revealed today outlines the success of group-taught meditation therapies, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) when treating depression.
The Dove Clinic for Integrated Medicine offers a course of MBCT sessions that aim to teach patients the skills needed to help recognise and cope with the signs of depression.
Dr Richard Fuller of The Dove Clinic says, "Mindfulness approaches help us to focus on the present moment, rather than re-living the past or pre-living the future. This can help to halt the escalation of negative thought spirals and help with regaining control and confidence, and increase self-esteem."
The new research, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology comapred patients undergoing group therapies with those taking conventional anti- depressant drugs.
For more information about the MBCT programme on offer at The Dove Clinic, and how the approach can benefit you, please visit http://www.doveclinic.com.
To read more, click here.
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Article...AARP Report Finds Value of Family Caregiving Hits $375 Billion
AARP Report Finds Value of Family Caregiving Hits $375 Billion
From Long-Term Living eNews
Estimated value of family caregiving during 2007 exceeded national Medicaid spending
(11/21/2008)
The economic value of family caregiving in the United States reached $375 billion in 2007, according to a new report by AARP's Public Policy Institute. The report, which updates a study by AARP last year, finds that the value of family caregiving was 7% higher than the estimated value of $350 billion in 2006.
The estimated value exceeds the $311 billion spent nationally in 2007 for Medicaid. The value of family caregiving also exceeds Medicaid's long-term care spending in every state. The new estimate reflects an increase in the U.S. population, the aging of the population, and a higher estimate of the average value for one hour of care, AARP says.
The report, "Valuing the Invaluable, The Economic Value of Family Caregiving, 2008 Update," estimates that 34 million Americans provide more than 20 hours of care per week to another adult, making informal caregiving a cornerstone of U.S. health and long-term care, AARP says.
The organization notes that informal caregivers of people 50-plus spent an average of $5,531 out-of-pocket in 2007 to care for their loved ones. That spending was often coupled with lost workdays, wages, health insurance, and retirement savings. More than one-third of informal caregivers are forced to quit their jobs or reduce their working hours, with women more likely to leave the labor force entirely, according to the report.
The full report is available here.
From Long-Term Living eNews
Estimated value of family caregiving during 2007 exceeded national Medicaid spending
(11/21/2008)
The economic value of family caregiving in the United States reached $375 billion in 2007, according to a new report by AARP's Public Policy Institute. The report, which updates a study by AARP last year, finds that the value of family caregiving was 7% higher than the estimated value of $350 billion in 2006.
The estimated value exceeds the $311 billion spent nationally in 2007 for Medicaid. The value of family caregiving also exceeds Medicaid's long-term care spending in every state. The new estimate reflects an increase in the U.S. population, the aging of the population, and a higher estimate of the average value for one hour of care, AARP says.
The report, "Valuing the Invaluable, The Economic Value of Family Caregiving, 2008 Update," estimates that 34 million Americans provide more than 20 hours of care per week to another adult, making informal caregiving a cornerstone of U.S. health and long-term care, AARP says.
The organization notes that informal caregivers of people 50-plus spent an average of $5,531 out-of-pocket in 2007 to care for their loved ones. That spending was often coupled with lost workdays, wages, health insurance, and retirement savings. More than one-third of informal caregivers are forced to quit their jobs or reduce their working hours, with women more likely to leave the labor force entirely, according to the report.
The full report is available here.
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Article...New Treatment Hope For People With Recurring Depression
New Treatment Hope For People With Recurring Depression
Medical News Today
December 4, 2008
Research shows for the first time that a group-based psychological treatment, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), could be a viable alternative to prescription drugs for people suffering from long-term depression.
In a study, published yesterday (1 December 2008) in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, MBCT proved as effective as maintenance anti-depressants in preventing a relapse and more effective in enhancing peoples' quality of life. The study also showed MBCT to be as cost-effective as prescription drugs in helping people with a history of depression stay well in the longer-term.
Funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), the study was led by Professor Willem Kuyken at the Mood Disorders Centre, University of Exeter, in collaboration with colleagues at the Centre for Economics of Mental Health (CEMH) at the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Peninsula Medical School, Devon Primary Care Trust and the Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit.
The randomised control trial involved 123 people from urban and rural locations who had suffered repeat depressions and were referred to the trial by their GPs. The participants were split randomly into two groups. Half continued their on-going anti-depressant drug treatment and the rest participated in an MBCT course and were given the option of coming off anti-depressants.
Over the 15 months after the trial, 47% of the group following the MBCT course experienced a relapse compared with 60% of those continuing their normal treatment, including anti-depressant drugs. In addition, the group on the MBCT programme reported a higher quality of life, in terms of their overall enjoyment of daily living and physical well-being.
To read more, click here.
Medical News Today
December 4, 2008
Research shows for the first time that a group-based psychological treatment, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), could be a viable alternative to prescription drugs for people suffering from long-term depression.
In a study, published yesterday (1 December 2008) in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, MBCT proved as effective as maintenance anti-depressants in preventing a relapse and more effective in enhancing peoples' quality of life. The study also showed MBCT to be as cost-effective as prescription drugs in helping people with a history of depression stay well in the longer-term.
Funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), the study was led by Professor Willem Kuyken at the Mood Disorders Centre, University of Exeter, in collaboration with colleagues at the Centre for Economics of Mental Health (CEMH) at the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Peninsula Medical School, Devon Primary Care Trust and the Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit.
The randomised control trial involved 123 people from urban and rural locations who had suffered repeat depressions and were referred to the trial by their GPs. The participants were split randomly into two groups. Half continued their on-going anti-depressant drug treatment and the rest participated in an MBCT course and were given the option of coming off anti-depressants.
Over the 15 months after the trial, 47% of the group following the MBCT course experienced a relapse compared with 60% of those continuing their normal treatment, including anti-depressant drugs. In addition, the group on the MBCT programme reported a higher quality of life, in terms of their overall enjoyment of daily living and physical well-being.
To read more, click here.
