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Home > Our Schools > Professional Education > Patient Management > Patient Management: Depression > Depression and Self-Management

Depression and Self-Management Training for Patients With Macular Degeneration

Research literature documents evidence of high levels of comorbidity between physical illness and depression in later life. A randomized intervention study, conducted by the Shiley Eye Center at the University of California, San Diego, has tested the effectiveness of self-management training on mood and function for patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients participated in a 12-hour group program consisting of health education and enhancement of problem-solving skills. At the conclusion of the program, participants reported significantly less emotional distress, better function, and increased self-efficacy as compared with control subjects.

A six-month follow-up assessment, reported in the January 2005 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, found that these improvements were sustained. In addition, the self-management group had significantly less clinical depression than the control group. What this indicates: a relatively simple program can improve the quality of life of AMD patients, even as the search continues for effective treatment of the disease.

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