CASPER plus (CollAborative care in Screen-Positive EldeRs with major depressive disorder): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

CASPER plus (CollAborative care in Screen-Positive EldeRs with major depressive disorder): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Trials, November 2014

25409776

Karen Overend, Helen Lewis, Della Bailey, Kate Bosanquet, Carolyn Chew-Graham, David Ekers, Samantha Gascoyne, Deborah Hems, John Holmes, Ada Keding, Dean McMillan, Shaista Meer, Natasha Mitchell, Sarah Nutbrown, Steve Parrott, David Richards, Gemma Traviss, Dominic Trépel, Rebecca Woodhouse, Simon Gilbody

Depression accounts for the greatest disease burden of all mental health disorders, contributes heavily to healthcare costs, and by 2020 is set to become the second largest cause of global disability. Although 10% to 16% of people aged 65 years and over are likely to experience depressive symptoms, the condition is under-diagnosed and often inadequately treated in primary care. Later-life depression is associated with chronic illness and disability, cognitive impairment and social isolation. With a progressively ageing population it becomes increasingly important to refine strategies to identity and manage depression in older people. Currently, management may be limited to the prescription of antidepressants where there may be poor concordance; older people may lack awareness of psychosocial interventions and general practitioners may neglect to offer this treatment option.