Abstract
Depression is a significant source of late-life disability and mortality. We describe the trial outcomes of a geriatric depression treatment pilot for older Spanish-speaking Latinos with major depression. Based on a randomized trial of 100 primarily Spanish-speaking geriatric patients, we test the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of adding individual counseling--Problem Solving Treatment (PST)--to enhanced usual care as an approach for treating depression in low-income Latinos with significant comorbid medical illnesses. Our results show high feasibility, initial screening/identification, and depression care sessions, as well as significant improvements in mental health status as well as HDRS depression severity scores at the 8-week follow-up. Clinical improvements were observed in both treatment groups. Implications for sociocultural adaptations to depression care will be addressed.