Problem-solving therapy for major depressive disorders in older adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Major depressive disorder is a global public health problem among older adults. Many studies show that problem-solving therapy (PST) is a cognitive behavioral approach that can effectively treat late-life depression. Aim To summarize and assess the effects of PST on major depressive disorders in older adults. Methods We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, UpToDate, and PsycINFO databases and three Chinese databases (CNKI, CBM, and Wan Fang Data) to identify articles written in English or Chinese that were published until Feb 1, 2020. Randomized controlled trials were included if they evaluated the impact of PST on major depression disorder (MDD) in older adults. Two authors of this review independently selected the studies, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted the data from all the included studies. We calculated the standard mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous data. We assessed heterogeneity using theI(2)statistic. Results Ten studies with a total of 892 participants met the inclusion criteria. Subgroup analyses and quality ratings were performed. After problem-solving therapy, the depression scores in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (SMD = - 1.06, 95% CI - 1.52 to - 0.61,p < 0.05;I-2 = 88.4%). Discussion Compared with waitlist (WL), PST has a significant effect on elderly patients with depression, but we cannot rank the therapeutic effects of all the treatment methods used for MDD. Conclusions Our meta-analysis and systematic review suggest that problem-solving therapy may be an effective approach to improve major depressive disorders in older adults.