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