Two-year follow-up of bibliotherapy for depression in older adults

Abstract

The present study examined the long-term benefits of participation in a bibliotherapy program for depressed older adults. Thirty of the original 44 participants (68%) were assessed at approximately 2 years following treatment for clinician-rated and self-rated depression. There were no significant increases in either index suggesting that improvements were maintained. Follow-up questions revealed that most participants (77%) had not received other treatment, most (73%) felt their depression level had decreased, and over half (53%) had read at least parts of their assigned book during the 2-year interval. Results further support the potential for structured bibliotherapy as a treatment adjunct or alternative.