A Telephone-Based Program to Provide Symptom Monitoring Alone vs Symptom Monitoring Plus Care Management for Late-Life Depression and Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Supporting Seniors Receiving Treatment and Intervention (SUSTAIN): A Telephone-Based Program for Late-Life Depression and Anxiety

This randomized clinical trial evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of the Supporting Seniors Receiving Treatment and Intervention (SUSTAIN) program, a telephone-based intervention designed to address depression and anxiety in older adults. The study compares two treatment arms: symptom monitoring alone and symptom monitoring plus care management, provided by a mental health professional.

The Power of Collaborative Care: A Beacon in the Desert of Mental Health

The study found that the SUSTAIN program was feasible and scalable, demonstrating its potential for addressing the undertreatment of mental health conditions in older adults. Participants who received symptom monitoring plus care management showed greater improvements in mental health functioning, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms compared to those who received symptom monitoring alone. This highlights the importance of collaborative care models that integrate symptom monitoring, care management, and brief therapies to address the complex needs of older adults with mental health challenges.

A Oasis of Hope for Older Adults

This research underscores the importance of providing accessible and effective mental health care for older adults, especially those living in low-income communities. It's like discovering a life-giving oasis in a vast desert, offering hope and support for those struggling with mental health challenges. The SUSTAIN program demonstrates the potential of telehealth interventions to improve mental health outcomes for older adults, particularly those who may face barriers to accessing traditional care.

Dr.Camel's Conclusion

This study provides compelling evidence for the feasibility and effectiveness of the SUSTAIN program, a telephone-based intervention for late-life depression and anxiety. The findings highlight the importance of collaborative care models that integrate symptom monitoring, care management, and brief therapies to improve mental health outcomes for older adults. The SUSTAIN program offers a promising approach to addressing the undertreatment of mental health conditions in this vulnerable population.