Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Nurses may only require minimal training to deliver effective depression treatments
By Staff Writer
The results of a recent preliminary study show that individuals with severe depression may be able to receive treatment from mental health nurses with minimal training. Having non-specialist mental health staff provide psychotherapy may be a cost-effective way of treating those who seek mental health and drug rehab services.
In a small-scale study led by Durham University's Mental Health Research Centre, researchers compared the usual care delivered by general practitioners to behavioral activation treatment from mental health nurses. Of the 47 patients who received care, those treated by the nurses were more satisfied with their treatment than those who received care from the general practitioners.
Nurses who participated in the research received five days of training and one hour of clinical supervision every two weeks to deliver behavioral activation treatment, which is typically given by specialist clinicians and therapists. This treatment option pinpoints the elements of someone's life that influences their mood. The patient then receives help as to how they can create a more rewarding daily structure for themselves.
According to the researchers, behavioral activation therapy has been shown to be as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy. However, these study results are the first evidence that shows this treatment can be delivered by inexperienced therapists and still prove effective.
