Evaluating a Psychoeducational Program with Usual Treatment for Adults with Moderate Major Depressive Disorder

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a psychoeducational program as an additional treatment for adults with moderate Major Depressive Disorder MDD. The study involves 338 patients diagnosed with MDD, comparing standard care alone to standard care plus a six-week group psychoeducation program. The goal is to assess whether this program can reduce depressive symptoms and improve knowledge about depression, functionality, and quality of life. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive treatment as usual TAU alone or TAU combined with the psychoeducational program. The psychoeducation consists of six weekly group sessions, each lasting 90 minutes and led by experienced psychologists and psychiatrists. Before starting, participants receive a booklet outlining the session content. TAU includes medication with Sertraline starting at 50 mg, adjusted as needed, with possible add-on medications if symptoms persist or relapse. The usual treatment follows outpatient care for 12 months. During the study, participants will be assessed at multiple time points including baseline, post-treatment at 6 weeks, and follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months. Measurements include depressive symptom levels using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, knowledge about depression, depressive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and functionality. Attendance will be monitored, and participants missing more than two sessions may be discontinued. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how psychoeducation may support depression treatment over one year.

Psychoeducational Group for Depression