Nicola Mead1, Helen Lester, Carolyn Chew-Graham, Linda Gask, Peter Bower. 1. Research Fellow, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, 5th Floor, Williamson Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. nicki.mead@manchester.ac.uk.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: High rates of emotional distress and depressive symptoms in the community can reflect difficult life events and social circumstances. There is a need for appropriate, low-cost, non-medical interventions for many individuals. Befriending is an emotional support intervention commonly offered by the voluntary sector. AIMS: To examine the effectiveness of befriending in the treatment of emotional distress and depressive symptoms. METHOD: Systematic review of randomised trials of interventions focused on providing emotional support to individuals in the community. RESULTS: Compared with usual care or no treatment, befriending had a modest but significant effect on depressive symptoms in the short term (standardised mean difference SMD = -0.27, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.06, nine studies) and long term (SMD = -0.18, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.05, five studies). CONCLUSIONS: Befriending has a modest effect on depressive symptoms and emotional distress in varied patient groups. Further exploration of active ingredients, appropriate target populations and optimal methods of delivery is required.
BACKGROUND: High rates of emotional distress and depressive symptoms in the community can reflect difficult life events and social circumstances. There is a need for appropriate, low-cost, non-medical interventions for many individuals. Befriending is an emotional support intervention commonly offered by the voluntary sector. AIMS: To examine the effectiveness of befriending in the treatment of emotional distress and depressive symptoms. METHOD: Systematic review of randomised trials of interventions focused on providing emotional support to individuals in the community. RESULTS: Compared with usual care or no treatment, befriending had a modest but significant effect on depressive symptoms in the short term (standardised mean difference SMD = -0.27, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.06, nine studies) and long term (SMD = -0.18, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.05, five studies). CONCLUSIONS: Befriending has a modest effect on depressive symptoms and emotional distress in varied patient groups. Further exploration of active ingredients, appropriate target populations and optimal methods of delivery is required.
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