Effectiveness of behavioral activation for depression treatment in medical students: Study protocol for a quasi-experimental design

Abstract

Introduction: Depression is a frequent mood disorder among medical students that can lead to multiple negative consequences at individual and social level (such as academic achievement and interpersonal conflicts) as well as patient care performance. Therefore, the need of depression decreasing treatments in medical students is important. This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression in a sample of Mexican medical students. Methods: This study will be performed under a quasi-experimental design to verify the effectiveness of the Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression to reduce depressive symptoms in medical students from two public universities in northwestern Mexico. The participants will be assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale. In addition to the psychometric assessment, there will be an electroencephalogram evaluation using the EMOTIV (v 1.1) device. Results: A pre-post intervention of 10 Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression sessions will be implemented. The results of the effectiveness of the Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression will be analyzed in five measures at pre-post intervention and two follow-ups of 3 and 6 months. Conclusions: This study looks for evidence regarding the efficacy and feasibility of the Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression in a sample of medical students from two public universities in Mexico with high levels of depression along with stress and anxiety.

The Role of Military Training in Improving Psychological Resilience and Reducing Depression Among College Freshmen

“…However, since military training is mandated by law in almost all higher education institutions in China, it is difficult to set up a control group who did not participate in the training. In addition, such a pre-post study design is not uncommon in public health research (46)(47)(48), we believe our study still provides useful information to guide future studies. Another solution may be using a stepped randomized controlled study design where one group received military training, while the other group delayed their training until after the study ends.…”

Behavioural activation and trial‐based cognitive therapy may be beneficial to reduce suicidal ideation in major depressive disorder: A post hoc study from a clinical trial

“…CBT and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) showed efficacy in decreasing hopelessness, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, but there is a low level of evidence that they diminish deaths by suicide 17 . Regarding BA, some theoretical studies and one study protocol have suggested that this therapy can reduce suicidal behavior 31‐34 . In fact, clinical trials have shown that BA lowers suicidal ideation in patients with cancer and depression 35 and BD 30 …”

“…17 Regarding BA, some theoretical studies and one study protocol have suggested that this therapy can reduce suicidal behavior. [31][32][33][34] In fact, clinical trials have shown that BA lowers suicidal ideation in patients with cancer and depression 35 and BD. 30 BA works by scheduling pleasant activities and alternative behaviours to avoidant patterns and rumination.…”