Yet another study has been released about the benefits of a multi-disciplinary approach to depression. This study showed that such an approach is actually more cost-effective than other, hodge-podge methods of treatment. Previous studies on a multidisciplinary approach to depression has shown it to be more effective in treating depression as well.
What is a multidisciplinary approach?
It’s a model of treatment that puts a person in the center of a team of specialists for that person’s health or mental health care. For instance, a person might have a psychologist serving as that person’s primary care manager who does therapy with the person, but the care manager also brings in other specialists, such as a psychiatrist (to prescribe medications) or a social worker (to help with getting benefits or financial aid). It might also include a nurse practitioner, a career specialist, or a nutritionist, depending upon each specific patient’s needs. All of the professionals know each other, respect one another’s areas of expertise, and work together as a team to provide the best care possible for the person.
Few organizations employ this approach however systematically. What most do, instead, is to grant referrals as needed with other professionals the referring professional may have little or no relationship with.
The good news is that there may come a day where this will become the gold standard of care, not only for depression, but for all health and mental health concerns. The article notes that Kaiser Permanente of Southern California has already implemented the specific approach discussed in this study. And it works:
“This research, combined with our other work showing how team care for depression has significant health benefits for older adults, illustrates how important it is for health organizations to consider implementing evidence-based collaborative models of depression care, such as IMPACT.”
Read the full article: Multidisciplinary Treatment Cost Effective for Depression
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Links to This Article
Multidisciplinary Treatment for Depression: Gold Standard? : Anxiety-Stress (2/9/2008)
One Comment to
“Multidisciplinary Treatment for Depression: Gold Standard?”
Last week you mentioned Tom Wootton and his approach to depression. What was not mentioned is that he developed a true multidisciplinary approach that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, relationships and career aspects of life.
In the Success Center section of http://www.bipolaradvantage.com there is information about the team that they put together. They are top professionals in their fields and include fitness, mind skills, life coaching, psychotherapy, relationship coaching, spiritual counseling, peer support, and family and friends as part of a coordinated team.
It looks like an interesting program that takes an approach toward turning the condition into an advantage instead of accepting a diminished life.
From the website - “Each week, there is a topic that we all focus on. Lessons, discussions, homework assignments, exercises and every aspect of the program is coordinated around the topic of the week. Ranging from resistance to change to how to revise your goals, each team member reinforces the growth facilitated by the other team members.”
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 8 Feb 2008
