Improving depression management with support from close others: A thematic analysis of individuals with depression and their partners in care

The objective of the current study was to understand how the CarePartners for Depression Program, a randomized clinical trial aimed at enhancing the role of caregivers in the management of depression, improved communication and shared understandings of depression among individuals with depression and their close others.METHODS: We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with individuals with depression and their caregivers who participated in the CarePartners program. Interviews were qualitatively coded using a thematic analytic framework.RESULTS: We conducted individual interviews with 39 participants in the CarePartners program, including 18 individuals with depression, 14 out-of-home care partners, and 7 informal caregivers. Three central themes were derived from analyses: (a) The quality of interpersonal relationships influenced the management of depression; (2) having clearly defined roles for CarePartners improved communication between CarePartners and individuals with depression; and (3) shared understanding of depression improved management of depression.DISCUSSION: Our findings established the conditions under which the management of depression was influenced in a dyadic intervention. Dyadic interventions may make it easier for individuals to support patients with depression by fostering communication and collaboration.PMID:37904531 | DOI:10.1177/17423953231175690
Source: Chronic Illness - Category: General Medicine Authors: Source Type: research