Illness narratives and preferences for treatment among older veterans living with treatment-resistant depression and insomnia.

BACKGROUND: Despite the prevalence of comorbid late-life treatmentresistant depression (LLTRD) and insomnia in older adults, there is a gap in the literature describing patient factors, such as patients' beliefs about their illnesses and preferences for treatment, that can facilitate recovery. Therefore, we explored the perceptions and treatment preferences of older veterans with LLTRD and insomnia. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were completed with 11 older veterans. A thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: 1. Insomnia and medical problems were considered to be significant contributors to depression, which was defined by low mood and anhedonia; 2. "Overthinking" was thought to be a cause of insomnia; 3. Participants' preference for psychotherapy was driven by their past experiences with therapy; and 4. Participants viewed patient education as a facilitator for compliance. CONCLUSIONS: Older veterans with LLTRD and insomnia have a preference for behavioral interventions. However, they lack knowledge about available treatment options, such as behavioral interventions for sleep that can improve both their sleep and mood while being a good fit with their illness narratives, such as "overthinking." There is a need for patient education, which should be offered early and often during treatment.

Brief behavioral treatment for insomnia in older adults with late-life treatment-resistant depression and insomnia: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Brief Behavioral Treatment for Insomnia (BBTI) is an efficacious treatment of insomnia in older adults. Behavioral treatments for insomnia can also improve depression. However, it is unknown if BBTI is feasible or has an effect in patients with insomnia and late-life treatment resistant depression (LLTRD). The aims of this study were two-fold, to test: 1) the feasibility (defined by acceptability and retention rates) of BBTI and 2) the therapeutic potency of BBTI on symptoms of insomnia and depression. METHODS: Eleven older Veterans with LLTRD and insomnia were recruited in a randomized control trial to receive immediate (4-weeks of BBTI followed by 3-weeks of phone call check-ins and a final in-person 8-week assessment) or delayed (3-weeks of treatment as usual [wait-list control] followed by 4-weeks of BBTI and a final in-person 8-week assessment) BBTI. The primary outcome measures included the Patient Health Questionnaire (minus the sleep item) and the Insomnia Severity Index. RESULTS: BBTI was found to be feasible in older Veterans with insomnia and LLTRD; all participants recommended BBTI and retention rates were 90.9%. There was no difference in treatment effect between the immediate BBTI and delayed BBTI groups at week 4. After both groups (immediate and delayed) received BBTI, improvements were seen in both insomnia (d = 1.06) and depression (d = 0.54) scores. CONCLUSIONS: BBTI is a feasible treatment for insomnia in older adults with LLTRD. BBTI may be an effective adjunctive treatment for depression. Larger adequately-powered trials are required to confirm these preliminary findings.

Audio and Computer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to develop and explore the feasibility of audio-based (ACBT) and computer-based (CCBT) cognitive behavioral therapies for older adults with depressive symptoms. The audio program consisted of 8 compact discs and a workbook while the computer program consisted of 11 modules of similar duration provided on a tablet PC. Both interventions consisted of the following topics: identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts, addressing feelings, relaxation, engaging in pleasant events, assertiveness, and problem-solving. Fifty-one older adults were recruited from medical settings and rural communities. Participants were randomly assigned to immediate treatment (ACBT or CCBT) or delayed treatment control condition. Analyses were conducted to examine change on interviewer-based and self-reported depression. A significant interaction effect between time and condition was found on the interviewer-based depression scale. This suggests that both types of treatments decreased depressive symptoms over time when compared to a delayed treatment control. Computer-based and audio-based cognitive behavioral treatments may be valuable low-cost modalities to deliver psychotherapy to older adults with depressive symptoms.

Effect of insomnia treatments on depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is frequently co-morbid with depression, with a bidirectional relationship between these disorders. There is evidence that insomnia-specific interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, may lead to improvements in depression. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine whether treatment of insomnia leads to improved depression outcomes in individuals with both insomnia and depression. METHODS: We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effect of treatment for insomnia disorder on depression in patients with both disorders. RESULTS: Three thousand eight hundred and fifteen studies were reviewed, and 23 studies met inclusion criteria. Although all of the studies suggested a positive clinical effect of insomnia treatment on depression outcomes, most of the results were not statistically significant. Although the interventions and populations were highly variable, the meta-analysis indicates moderate to large effect size (ES) improvement in depression as measured with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (ES = -1.29, 95%CI [-2.11, -0.47]) and Beck Depression Inventory (ES = -0.68, 95%CI [-1.29, -0.06]). CONCLUSIONS: These results support that treating insomnia in patients with depression has a positive effect on mood. Future trials are needed to identify the subtypes of patients whose depression improves during treatment with insomnia-specific interventions, and to identify the mechanisms by which treating insomnia improves mood.

Effects of Integrated Telehealth-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Insomnia in Rural Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: We examined the effects of integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression and insomnia (CBT-D + CBT-I) delivered via videoconferening in rural, middle aged and older adults with depressive and insomnia symptoms. METHOD: Forty patients with depressive and insomnia symptoms were randomized to receive either 10 sessions of CBT-D + CBT-I or usual care (UC). Patients in the integrated CBT condition were engaged in telehealth treatment through Skype at their primary care clinic. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: CBT-D +CBT-I participants had significantly greater improvements in sleep at post-treatment and 3-month follow-up as compared to the UC participants. The time by group interaction for depression was not significant; both the CBT-D + CBT-I and UC conditions had a decrease in depressive symptoms over time. CONCLUSION: While integrated CBT benefits both depression and insomnia symptoms, its effects on depression are more equivocal. Further research should consider expanding the depression treatment component of integrated CBT to enhance effectiveness.

The role of late life depressive symptoms on the trajectories of insomnia symptoms during antidepressant treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Sleep disturbances are common in late life depression; however, changes in insomnia symptoms during antidepressant treatment need to be characterized further. The objective of this study was two-fold: 1) to describe longitudinal trajectories of insomnia symptoms in older adults receiving antidepressant treatment and 2) to examine whether baseline depressive symptoms were associated with trajectories of sleep over time. METHODS: Data was obtained from 680 older adults (aged ≥ 60) with major depression who participated in one of two protocolized open-label antidepressant treatment clinical trials (Maintenance Therapies in Late Life Depression [MTLD-3]; Incomplete Response in Late Life Depression: Getting to Remission [IRL-GRey]). Depression (total score minus sleep items) and sleep (sum of sleep items) outcomes were derived from the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale in the MLTD-3 and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale in the IRL-GRey. RESULTS: Both datasets identified 5 possible trajectories of insomnia symptoms with about half of the older adults having clinically significant baseline sleep disturbances and minimal improvement following a course of antidepressant treatment (i.e., sub-optimal sleep trajectory). Furthermore, across both datasets, worse baseline depression severity was associated with sub-optimal sleep trajectories. CONCLUSION: In older adults receiving antidepressant treatment, those with clinically significant baseline sleep disturbances and greater depression severity may require adjunctive sleep-focused treatment to ameliorate sleep symptoms.

Specific depressive symptoms predict remission to aripiprazole augmentation in late-life treatment resistant depression.

OBJECTIVE: To identify which specific depressive symptoms predict remission to aripiprazole augmentation in late-life treatment resistant depression. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of data from a late-life treatment resistant depression trial examining the safety and efficacy of aripiprazole augmentation. Participants aged 60 and above were randomized to aripiprazole augmentation (N = 91) versus placebo (N = 90). The main outcome was depression remission. Clinical predictors included individual Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) item scores categorized as symptomatic (scores >2) or nonsymptomatic (scores ≤2). RESULTS: Three MADRS items predicted depression remission with aripiprazole augmentation: symptomatic scores on sleep disturbance and nonsymptomatic scores on apparent sadness and inability to feel. The 2-way and 3-way interaction terms of these MADRS items were not significant predictors of remission; therefore, the models' ability to predict remission was not improved by combining the significant MADRS items. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of specific depressive symptoms, which can be clinically assessed, can be used to inform treatment decisions. Older adults with treatment resistant depression that present with sleep disturbances, lack of apparent sadness, or lack of inability to feel should be considered for aripiprazole augmentation.

Patient experience with healthcare services among older adults with serious mental illness compared to the general older population.

Objective To compare patient experience with healthcare services and providers among older patients (≥50 years old) with and without serious mental illness. Methods Using secondary data from the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey from 2003 through 2013, we compared adults aged 50 years and older with schizophrenia spectrum disorder ( n = 106), mood disorders (i.e., major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder) ( n = 419), and no serious mental illness ( n = 34,921). Results Older adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder reported significantly worse provider communication than older adults without serious mental illness. Older adults with mood disorders reported the greatest barriers to shared decision-making and the greatest difficulty accessing services. Conclusions Our results highlight the need to improve the patient experience of older adults with serious mental illness. Addressing provider communication, shared decision-making, and access to care among this vulnerable group of older adults may impact clinical outcomes and costs. Future research examining the extent to which improving the patient experience may improve health outcomes and enhance treatment for this highly vulnerable older group is warranted.

Subjective-Objective Sleep Discrepancy in Older Adults With MCI and Subsyndromal Depression.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We investigated the prevalence and correlates of discrepancies between self-reported sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and objective sleep efficiency (actigraphy) in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subsyndromal depression. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of a clincial trial with 59 adults aged 60 years and older with MCI and subsyndromal depression. We included baseline data on participants' subjective sleep quality, objective sleep efficiency, depressive symptoms, insomnia diagnosis, and cognitive functioning. RESULTS: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index subjective sleep quality and actigraphy-measured sleep efficiency were not significantly correlated ( r = -.06; P = .64), with 61% of participants having subjective-objective sleep discrepancies. Correlates of subjective-objective sleep discrepancy included the presence of an insomnia diagnosis and impaired memory, particularly delayed memory. CONCLUSION: These findings are important because subjective underestimation of symptoms in older adults with memory impairments may result in sleep disturbances going unrecognized in clinical practice; on the other hand, an insomnia disorder may be a possible remediable contribution to subjective overestimation of sleep disturbances.

Effects of Home-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Depression on Anxiety Symptoms among Rural, Ethnically Diverse Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: We examined the effects of home-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression on anxiety symptoms in an ethnically diverse, low resource, and medically frail sample of rural, older adults. METHOD: This was a secondary analysis of a randomized clincial trial with 134 rural-dwelling adults 65 years and older with decreased quality of life and elevated psychological symptomatology. Anxiety symptoms were assessed with the anxiety and phobic anxiety subscales of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). RESULTS: Compared to a minimal support control condition, CBT for depression resulted in significantly greater improvements in symptoms of anxiety and phobic anxiety from pre-treatment to post-treatment. CONCLUSION: Home-delivered CBT for depression can be an effective treatment for anxiety in a hard-to-reach older populations. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Additional research should explore integrated anxiety and depression protocols and other treatment modalities, including bibliotherapy or telehealth models of CBT, to reduce costs associated with its in home delivery. Flexibility in administration and adaptations to the CBT protocol may be necessary for use with vulnerable, rural older adults.

Mood Disorders in Middle-Aged and Older Veterans With Multimorbidity.

OBJECTIVE: This study identified the prevalence of and relationship between mood disorders and multimorbidity in middle-aged and older veterans. METHOD: Cross-sectional data were obtained from veterans who received primary care services at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System from January 2007 to December 2011 ( n = 34,786). RESULTS: Most veterans had three or more organ systems with chronic disease (95.3%), of which 4.1% had a depressive disorder, 2.5% had an anxiety disorder, and 0.7% had co-occurring depression and anxiety. The odds of having a mood disorder increased with each additional organ system with chronic disease, with odds being the greatest in those with 10 to 13 organ systems with chronic disease. Younger age, female gender, non-married marital status, and having a service connected disability were also significant predictors of having a mood disorder. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest a need to integrate mental health assessment and treatment in chronic health care management for veterans.

Factors Associated With High Frequency of Suicidal Ideation in Medically Ill Veterans.

Suicide is a leading cause of death, and rates are especially high among medically ill, older individuals. Health-related psychosocial correlates of suicidal ideation (SI) may be particularly important for medically ill older adults as they may clarify who may benefit from interventions to reduce SI. This study examined whether demographic, physical health, and/or health-related psychosocial factors were associated with high frequency of SI in older, medically ill Veterans experiencing elevated anxiety or depression. This cross-sectional study included 302 Veterans with (1) a cardiopulmonary condition and functional impairment and (2) elevated symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Participants were classified as having either no, low, or high SI, based on self-reported ideation, from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. SI was reported in 26.8% of the full sample and high SI was reported by 12.6% of participants. Logistic regression analyses predicting high versus no SI found the odds of high SI increased 4.7 times (95% confidence interval, 2.6-8.3) for each 1-unit increase in maladaptive coping and 4.1 times (95% confidence interval, 1.2-14.3) for each 1-unit increase in physical health severity/functional limitations. Older, medically ill Veterans with comorbid depression and/or anxiety frequently reported SI and were at greater risk of experiencing a high frequency of SI if they engaged in maladaptive coping strategies and/or had high levels of functional impairment. Effective interventions to reduce SI for this population should focus on reducing maladaptive coping and minimizing negative behavioral, cognitive, and emotional reactions to functional limitations.

Mental health treatment preferences and challenges of living with multimorbidity from the veteran perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To explore middle-aged and older veterans' current disease-management practices, mental health treatment preferences, and challenges of living with multiple chronic health conditions (i.e., multimorbidity). METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews and self-report measures were collected from 28 middle-aged and older (50 years of age or older) veterans with multimorbidity. RESULTS: Our sample of veterans with multimorbidity was, on average, mildly depressed and anxious with elevated stress and disability. Veterans acknowledged the interaction of physical and emotional symptoms, which caused greater difficulty with health care management and daily functioning. Veterans had many concerns regarding their physical and emotional health conditions, such as continued disease progression and the addition of other emotional and physical health complications. Veterans also identified specific self-care approaches for disease management (e.g., medication, healthy lifestyle practices, and psychological stress management techniques), as well as barriers to engaging in care (e.g., money, transportation, and stigma). Participants preferred a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and healthy lifestyle practices for mental health treatment. The majority of participants (88.5%) agreed that these mental health treatments would be beneficial to integrate into disease management for older veterans with multimorbidity. Lastly, veterans provided an array of recommendations for improving Veteran's Administration services and reducing mental health stigma. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide support for patient-centered approaches and integrated mental and physical health self-management in the Veteran's Administration for middle-aged and older veterans with multiple chronic conditions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Systematic Review of Integrated General Medical and Psychiatric Self-Management Interventions for Adults With Serious Mental Illness.

OBJECTIVE: Adults with serious mental illness are disproportionately affected by general medical comorbidity, earlier onset of disease, and premature mortality. Integrated self-management interventions have been developed to address both general medical and psychiatric illnesses. This systematic review examined evidence about the effect of self-management interventions that target both general medical and psychiatric illnesses and evaluated the potential for implementation. METHODS: Databases, including CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, were searched for articles published between 1946 and July 2015. Studies evaluating integrated general medical and psychiatric self-management interventions for adults with schizophrenia spectrum or mood disorders and general medical comorbidity were included. RESULTS: Fifteen studies (nine randomized controlled trials and six pre-post designs) reported on nine interventions: automated telehealth, Health and Recovery Peer program, Helping Older People Experience Success, Integrated Illness Management and Recovery, Life Goals Collaborative Care, Living Well, Norlunga Chronic Disease Self-Management program, Paxton House, and Targeted Training in Illness Management. Most studies demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness; however, clinical effectiveness could not be established in most studies because of methodological limitations. Factors identified that may deter implementation included operating costs, impractical length, and workforce requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated general medical and psychiatric illness self-management interventions appear feasible and acceptable, with high potential for clinical effectiveness. However, implementation factors were rarely considered in intervention development, which may contribute to limited uptake and reach in real-world settings.

Deconstructing Chronic Low Back Pain in the Older Adult-Step by Step Evidence and Expert-Based Recommendations for Evaluation and Treatment: Part IX: Anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: As a part of a series of articles designed to deconstruct chronic low back pain (CLBP) in older adults, this article focuses on anxiety-a significant contributor of reduced health-related quality of life, increased use of medical services, and heightened disability in older adults with CLBP. METHODS: A modified Delphi technique was used to develop an algorithm for the screening and clinical care of older adults with CLBP and anxiety. A 4-member content expert panel and a nine-member primary care panel were involved in this iterative development process. Evidence underlying the recommendations is not strictly based on VA populations; therefore, the algorithm can be applied in both VHA and civilian settings. The illustrative clinical case was taken from one of the contributor's clinical practice. RESULTS: We present a treatment algorithm and supporting tables to be used by providers treating older adults who have anxiety and CLBP. A case of an older adult with anxiety and CLBP is provided to illustrate the approach to management. CONCLUSIONS: To promote early engagement in evidence-based treatments, providers should routinely evaluate anxiety in older adults with CLBP using a screening and treatment algorithm.

Sedative hypnotic use among veterans with a newly reported mental health disorder.

BACKGROUND: This study compared sedative hypnotic use by type of mental health diagnosis and determined factors associated with use among older veterans (65+ years) with a newly reported mental health disorder. METHODS: This study used data from veterans who received primary care services at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2011 (n = 879). RESULTS: Sedative hypnotics were commonly used in older veterans within 12-months following a newly reported mental health disorder (19.9%), particularly amongst those with insomnia (41.7%). The number of newly reported mental health disorders was a significant factor associated with sedative hypnotic use, with the odds of use increasing by more than 200% in older adults with two newly reported disorders compared to those with one newly reported mental health disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Continued efforts are needed to improve provider and patient awareness of the risks associated with sedative hypnotic use in older adults, as well as to increase access to and receipt of non-pharmacological mental health treatments for this vulnerable population.

Deconstructing Chronic Low Back Pain in the Older Adult--Step by Step Evidence and Expert-Based Recommendations for Evaluation and Treatment. Part V: Maladaptive Coping.

OBJECTIVE: As part of a series of articles designed to deconstruct chronic low back pain (CLBP) in older adults, this article focuses on maladaptive coping--a significant contributor of psychological distress, increased pain, and heightened disability in older adults with CLBP. METHODS: A modified Delphi technique was used to develop a maladaptive coping algorithm and table providing the rationale for the various components of the algorithm. A seven-member content expert panel and a nine-member primary care panel were involved in the iterative development of the materials. While the algorithm was developed keeping in mind resources available within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities, panelists were not exclusive to the VHA, and therefore, materials can be applied in both VHA and civilian settings. The illustrative clinical case was taken from one of the contributors' clinical practice. RESULTS: We present a treatment algorithm and supporting table to be used by providers treating older adults who have CLBP and engage in maladaptive coping strategies. A case of an older adult with CLBP and maladaptive coping is provided to illustrate the approach to management. CONCLUSIONS: To promote early engagement in skill-focused treatments, providers can routinely evaluate pain coping strategies in older adults with CLBP using a treatment algorithm.

Age as a predictive factor of mental health service use among adults with depression and/or anxiety disorder receiving care through the Veterans Health Administration.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared mental health service utilization by treatment modality and determined predictive factors of use among younger-adult (18-35 years), middle-aged adult (36-64 years), and older-adult veterans (65+ years) with a newly recognized diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety disorder. METHODS: This retrospective study used data from the Veterans Health Administration National Patient Care Database outpatient and inpatient treatment files during the 2010 fiscal year (N = 583,692). RESULTS: Younger adults were the most likely to use mental health services, followed by middle-aged adults and then older adults. Age was found to be one of the greatest predictors of utilization of mental health services, with odds of use being threefold among younger adults compared with older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Continued efforts are needed to improve the awareness of, access to, and receipt of mental health services in veterans, particularly older adults, with depression and anxiety disorders. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Effect of individualized social activities on quality of life among older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment in a geriatric psychiatry facility.

OBJECTIVES: The study examined the effect of an individualized social activities intervention (ISAI) on quality of life among older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment in a geriatric psychiatry facility. METHOD: This randomized control trial consisted of 52 older adults (M = 70.63, SD = 5.62) with mild to moderate cognitive impairment in a geriatric inpatient psychiatry facility. A 2 (group condition) × 2 (time of measurement) design was used to compare the control (treatment-as-usual) and intervention (treatment-as-usual plus ISAI) conditions at pre- and post-treatment. ISAI consisted of 30- to 60-minute sessions for up to 15 consecutive days. The Dementia Quality of Life instrument and Neurobehavioral Rating Scale-Revised were used to examine quality of life and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia at pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: Intent-to-treat analyses indicated a significant time × group condition interaction on quality of life, with this effect remaining when only completer data were included. There was no evidence of a significant treatment effect on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that individualized social activities are a promising treatment for cognitively impaired geriatric inpatients.

Pleasant Events, Hopelessness, and Quality of Life in Rural Older Adults.

PURPOSE: Rural older adults are susceptible to depression and reduced quality of life. This study explored contrasting explanations (behavioral vs cognitive route) for the relation of emotional distress with quality of life. METHODS: This retrospective study included rural older adults (N = 134) with reduced quality of life and increased psychological symptoms. Multiple mediation analysis was conducted to test the indirect effect of engagement in pleasant events and hopelessness on the emotional distress and quality of life relation. FINDINGS: Both engagement in pleasant events and hopelessness were found to partially mediate the relation between emotional distress and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting both hopelessness and engagement in pleasant events may be helpful in improving the quality of life of vulnerable, rural older adults.