ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Depression is a common mental disorder and the (global) leading cause of all non-fatal burden of disease worldwide. Currently, supported treatment for depression is antidepressant medication and different psychotherapeutic interventions. Many patients experience, however, adverse effects of antidepressant medication, while at the same time the access to psychotherapeutic interventions are limited. Many patients who suffer from depression turn to complementary medicine and among those modalities often spiritual healing. There is some evidence that consulting a spiritual healer can be beneficial for patients who suffer from depression, and that spiritual healing is associated with low risk. The aim of this protocol is to conduct a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) (spiritual healing as addition to usual care vs usual care alone) in preparation of a larger trial in adults with moderate depression, to examine feasibility and individuals' experience of spiritual healing. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is a pilot RCT with two parallel groups. A total of 28 adult patients with moderate depression, diagnosed by the physician and according to the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale criteria will be randomised to spiritual healing in addition to usual care (n=14) or usual care alone (n=14). To determine if there is a statistical indication of an effect of healing warranting a full-scale study; the separation test will be used. To investigate participants' experience with spiritual healing, a qualitative study will be included using semistructured interviews. The data will be analysed based on a direct content analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol was approved by regional committees for medical and health research ethics by the identifier (63692). The results will be disseminated through open-access, peer-reviewed publications, in addition to stakeholders' reporting and presenting at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Norwegian Centre for Research Data (845302) and clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT04766242).
Subject(s)
Depressive Disorder , Spiritual Therapies , Adult , Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use , Depression/complications , Depression/therapy , Depressive Disorder/drug therapy , Humans , Pilot Projects , Randomized Controlled Trials as TopicSubject(s)
COVID-19/drug therapy , Depressive Disorder/drug therapy , Drug Repositioning , Fluvoxamine/therapeutic use , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Neurotransmitter Agents/pharmacology , Animals , Humans , Neurotransmitter Agents/adverse effects , PsychopharmacologySubject(s)
Antidepressive Agents/adverse effects , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/chemically induced , Depressive Disorder/drug therapy , Heart Diseases/physiopathology , Antiviral Agents/adverse effects , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/etiology , Atrial Fibrillation/physiopathology , Atrioventricular Block/chemically induced , Bundle-Branch Block/chemically induced , COVID-19/physiopathology , Chloroquine/adverse effects , Depressive Disorder/physiopathology , Humans , Hydroxychloroquine/adverse effects , Long QT Syndrome/chemically induced , Torsades de Pointes/chemically inducedABSTRACT
We present a case report to showcase that behavioral, cognitive, and functional decline may be associated with COVID-19 stay-home guidance among older adults with pre-existent cognitive impairment. In a functionally independent and physically active older adult with Mild Cognitive Impairment, there was worsening in depression and anxiety symptoms associated with the restrictions of COVID-19. Functional decline was also noted as assessed by Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. We discuss solutions to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 restrictions in this vulnerable population.