Effectiveness evaluation on the mode of Improving Mood-Promoting Access To Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT) for late-life depression

Objective To discuss the effectiveness of the IMPACT mode for late-life depression.Methods From Shanghai Pudong mental health network system, 60 cases of elderly depressions were chosen according to the criteria for case reqirement. Of the 60 cases, 30 were allocated into the intervention group who were treated with 18 months' IMPACT. The other 30 were included in the control group, who were treated with routine management for psychiatric rehabilitation. Depressive symptoms and medication compliance scores were compared and assessed at 6,12 and 18 months before and after intervention by using the hamilton depression scale (HAMD), self-rating depression scale (SDS) and the insight and treatment attitude questionnaire (ITAQ). Comparison was also made in re-hospitalization during intervention between the two groups. The patients' quality of life was analyzed and compared between the two groups by 36-items short form health survey (SF-36).Results The HAMD and SDS scores in intervention group were significantly lower than those in control group at 6,12 and 18 months after intervention(Pall<0.05). ITAQ scores were higher than those in control group(P<0.05). According to the SF-36 scores, the bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning and mental health scores in intervention group were extremely higher than those in control group(Pall<0.05). There was not one case of recurrence in intervention group, however, there were 6 cases of recurrence in the control group, the recurrence hospitalization rate being 20%(χ²=6.67, P<0.05).Conclusion IMPACT mode for late-life depression could relieve depressive symptoms effectively, thus reducing the recurrence hospitalization rate and improving the quality of life for patients.