Evaluating Behavioral Activation Efficacy in Depressed Spanish-Speaking Latinos

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Following a small, open-label pilot study that yielded very promising results of BATD, the current study will consist of a larger, randomized control trial (n=60) that will compare BATD to Supportive Counseling in outcomes of depression, contact with positive reinforcement in the environment, treatment satisfaction, therapeutic alliance, and perceived stigma. In addition, participants' adherence rates to each of the therapies and their maintenance of clinical gains at a 1-month follow-up, will be examined.

Detailed Description
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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent and widely-impairing across racial and ethnic groups. Higher rates of MDD have been observed among Latinos with limited English-language proficiency relative to the general population. Although MDD is a highly treatable condition, barriers to treatment access and delivery have been implicated in precluding this group from utilizing and receiving mental health services. Fortunately, Latinos tend to endorse positive attitudes toward psychosocial treatments for depression by applying the valued belief of poner de su parte or being able to do their part in one's recovery, a concept that is highly consistent with the framework of behavioral treatments for depression. The Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression (BATD), based on reinforcement theory, may be well-equipped to address disparities associated with higher depression prevalence rates and receipt of care among Latinos with limited English-language proficiency. Following a small, open-label pilot study that yielded very promising results of BATD, the current study will consist of a larger, randomized control trial (N = 60) that will compare BATD to Supportive Counseling in outcomes of depression, activity level, and contact with positive reinforcement in the environment. Initial eligibility will be determined via a telephone screener, which will include questions from the Mood Disorders, Substance Use and Dependence, and Psychotic Disorders modules of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR (SCID-IV; First, Spitzer, Gibbon & Williams, 2002). Inclusion criteria consist of the following: 1) be a minimum of 18 years of age, 2) be of Latino descent, 3) report limited English language proficiency, 4) meet current MDD criteria, 5) have completed the 4th grade or higher either in their country of origin or in the US, 6) not have current substance abuse or dependence, 7) have no Bipolar or Psychotic Disorders, and 9) not be currently receiving psychotherapy, and 10) if currently taking antidepressants, demonstrate pharmacological stability as indicated by 3 or more consecutive months of use. Excluded individuals will be referred to mental health resources within the community.

Conditions
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Depression

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Behavioral Activation for Depression Treatment
* Behavioral: Supportive Counseling


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: be a minimum of 18 years of age be of Latino descent report limited English language proficiency meet current MDD criteria have completed the 4th grade or higher either in their country of origin or in the US not have current substance abuse or dependence have no Bipolar or Psychotic Disorders not be currently receiving psychotherapy if currently taking antidepressants, demonstrate pharmacological stability as indicated by 3 or more consecutive months of use.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression<br>Behavioral Activation Condition - 10 sessions | Behavioral: Behavioral Activation for Depression Treatment<br> <br> |
| Active Comparator: Supportive Counseling<br>Supportive Counseling Condition - 10 sessions | Behavioral: Supportive Counseling<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Beck Depression Inventory- II |  | Assessed at every session and at the 1-month follow-up | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale |  | Administered at each session and at the 1-month follow-up | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Behavioral, Activation, Treatment