Can behavioural activation be used as an alternative treatment for subthreshold depression in type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Subthreshold depression is common in people with type 2 diabetes and is an important risk factor for poor health. Collaborative care is the suggested approach for people with long term conditions and persistent subthreshold depression, with a high-intensity psychological intervention being the recommended treatment. However, there is little evidence that a high-intensity psychological intervention improves subthreshold depression in people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, its use as a treatment in day to day practice can be difficult and expensive to organise even when a collaborative care approach is utilised. Behavioural activation delivered by the patients? usual diabetes care giver as a treatment for subthreshold depression could be an effective alternative.