JBI database of systematic reviews and implementation reports
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JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep · Jul 2015
ReviewThe effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions in older adults with depressive disorders: a systematic review.
It is widely acknowledged that mental disorders are common in old age and that depression is one of the most serious threats to the mental health of older adults. The lives of older adults are adversely affected both by major depression and subsyndromal depression. Depression should be approached with both pharmacotherapy and complementary therapies. The disadvantages posed by psychopharmacotherapy may be more prominent among older adults and there is a greater probability of drug interference. Different nonpharmacological interventions have been reported to reduce depressive symptoms in older adults with no adverse side effects. ⋯ Evidence suggests that all of these interventions reduce depressive symptoms and, therefore, may be useful in practice. However, due to the diversity of interventions and the low number of studies per intervention included in this systematic review, evidence is not strong enough to produce a best practice guideline.
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JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep · Jul 2015
ReviewThe meaningfulness of participating in support groups for informal caregivers of older adults with dementia: a systematic review.
Informal caregivers who perform at-home care of older people with dementia might have feelings of a meaningless existence, burden, anxiety, stress and fatigue. Support groups are considered an especially effective and economical way to relieve informal caregivers' stress and burden, although it is unclear if participating in group meetings produces a meaningful outcome for the informal caregiver. ⋯ The five studies provided useful and credible findings from caregivers' voices that are not often heard in regard to the meaning of participating in support groups. Peer support is beneficial for caregivers, and it provides a source of positive emotional support and a means of venting negative feeling and gaining help to address issues in the everyday life of caring for older adults with dementia.