Psychosocial Interventions for Late-life Major Depression: Evidence-Based Treatments, Predictors of Treatment Outcomes, and Moderators of Treatment Effects

This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for the acute treatment of late-life depression and identifies predictors of treatment outcomes and moderators of treatment effects. Problem-solving therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and treatment initiation and participation program have supportive evidence of efficacy, pending replication. Although the data on predictors of treatment outcomes and moderators of treatment effects are preliminary, it appears that baseline anxiety and stress level, personality disorders, endogenous depression, and reduced self-rated health predict worse depression outcomes. Future research may examine the moderating effects of baseline depression severity and identify other clinical or demographic moderators.