PEARLS depression treatment for individuals with epilepsy: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: Depression is associated with higher rates of suicide and lower levels of functioning and quality of life in individuals with epilepsy. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the effectiveness of PEARLS, a home-based program for managing depression in adult individuals with epilepsy and clinically significant acute and chronic depression.

Methods: Delivered by masters-level counselors, PEARLS is a collaborative care intervention consisting of problem solving treatment, behavioral activation, and psychiatric consultation. Patients were randomly assigned to the PEARLS intervention (N = 40) or usual care (N = 40), and assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.

Results: Compared with patients who received usual care, patients assigned to the PEARLS intervention achieved lower depression severity (P<0.005) (Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-20) and lower suicidal ideation (P = 0.025) over 12 months.

Conclusions: The PEARLS program, a community-integrated, home-based treatment for depression, effectively reduces depressive symptoms in adults with epilepsy and comorbid depression.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00459329.