Effect of a Lay Counselor Intervention on Prevention of Major Depression in Older Adults Living in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Depressive Disorders | JAMA Psychiatry | JAMA Network

Effect of a Lay Counselor Intervention on Prevention of Major Depression in Older Adults Living in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Depressive Disorders | JAMA Psychiatry | JAMA Network

Laypeople could improve care for older adults with depression

Depression among older adults is a growing challenge in low- and middle-income countries where resources for treatment are often scarce — but a small new study suggests laypeople trained to provide care might be able to lend a hand. Laypeople were trained to provide problem-solving therapy, teach patients about self-care for common health conditions, and assist people in accessing medical and social programs. In a randomized trial with 181 participants in an Indian city, patients who worked with a lay counselor were less likely to experience major depressive episodes than their peers who didn't. Now, the study needs to be run again with a bigger group in other areas.