Improvement in Depressive Symptoms Is Associated with Reduced Oxidative Damage and Inflammatory Response in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Subsyndromal Depression: The Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Psychoeducation, Physical Exercise, and Enhanced Treatment as Usual

Table 1

Programs’ objectives, methods of delivery, and specific features.

Study arm	Objectives	Methods of delivery	Specific features
Psychoeducation	(i) Recognizing and understanding feelings; (ii) Becoming aware of dysfunctional thinking patterns; (iii) Improving mood by pleasant activities; (iv) Improving mood by solving problems; (v) Managing automatic negative thoughts; (vi) Communicating assertively, providing support	(i) Six weekly group sessions lasting for 90 minutes; (ii) Interactive learning in small groups (5–8 participants); (iii) Self-help manual; (iv) Workbook with practical exercises	Learning and discussions supported by a structured PowerPoint presentation; Topics focused on diabetes-related issues and concerns
Physical exercise	(i) Acquiring warm-up, flexibility, stretching, and strengthening exercises; (ii) Learning about physical activity and: glycaemic control; cardiovascular health; energy expenditure; peripheral nerves; mood; diabetes self-management	(i) Six weekly group sessions lasting for 90 minutes; (ii) Practicing exercises and exchanging experiences in small groups; (iii) Written material reminding of practiced exercises	Learning and discussions supported by a structured PowerPoint presentation; Exercise intensity measured by a heart rate monitor, maintained in a light-to-medium intensity range; Blood glucose and blood pressure measured before and after sessions
Enhanced treatment as usual	(i) Discussing recent laboratory findings; (ii) Addressing diabetes-related concerns	(i) One group session lasting for 90 minutes; (ii) Patient-centered counselling in the group	Written self-help instructions to cope with mood difficulties