Prevention of Subsyndromic Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults: The Role of Physical Activity

• Grant number: 14/10499-5
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): October 01, 2014
• Effective date (End): September 30, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Psychiatry
• Principal researcher: Geraldo Busatto Filho
• Grantee: Clóvis Alexandrino da Silva Junior
• Home Institution: Instituto de Psiquiatria Doutor Antonio Carlos Pacheco e Silva (IPq). Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 12/50010-0 - Prevention and Treatment of Depression in Older People: A Population-Based Study, AP.TEM

Abstract

Taking into account the increasing of elderly population in Brazil and the growing impact of depression, it has been emphasized the importance of depression prevention. Studies have shown an inverse relationship between levels of depression and physical activity. The present study is an arm of the main study "Prevention and Treatment of Depression in Older People: A Population-Based Study " (FAPESP Thematic Project number 2012/50010-0 ), in which 2,700 subjects from Basic Health Units in the region of Butantã in São Paulo, with 60 years or more, will be screened for subsyndromic depressive and / or anxiety symptoms. The elderly will be assessed with a standardized psychiatric interview to calculate the prevalence of subsyndromic symptoms of depression and / or anxiety and the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders. Those who do not meet criteria for depressive disorders and / or anxiety will be invited to participate in a randomized clinical trial with 3 arms of intervention: a stepped-care prevention program (n = 90) using psychoeducation and cognitive-behavior therapy; a stepped-care prevention program (n = 90), including a 24-week physical activity home-based program; or usual care (n = 90). The primary outcome measure will be the cumulative incidence of major depressive disorder, or anxiety disorders, after 12 months. This study will compare the effectiveness of physical activity in the prevention of subsyndromic depression and anxiety, as well as changes in physical and laboratory parameters, compared to usual care and cognitive interventions groups.