Can self-help books tackle depression?

Prescribing self-help books to patients with depression could be an effective treatment, a study has found. Patients offered books, plus sessions guiding them in how to use them, had lower levels of depression a year later than those offered usual GP care, the BBC reported. The effect was seen in addition to the benefits of other treatments such as antidepressants, according to Scottish researchers. Such an approach may help the NHS tackle demand for therapy, they said. More than 200 patients who had been diagnosed with depression by their GP took part in the study, half of whom were also on antidepressant drugs. Some were provided with a self-help guide dealing with different aspects of depression, such as being assertive or overcoming sleep problems. Patients also had three sessions with an adviser who helped them get the most out of the books and plan what changes to make. After four months those who had been prescribed the self-help books had significantly lower levels of depression than those who received usual GP care. A year later, those in the self-help group were more likely to be keeping on top of their depression. Study leader Prof Christopher Williams, from the University of Glasgow, who also wrote the books called `Overcoming Depression' and `Low Mood', said that the guided sessions were the key to getting people engaged. The sessions can be delivered in general practice without referral to a specialist, taking pressure off waiting lists. In Scotland, a telephone support service has now been set up to help support those using the books, which can be freely copied and disseminated, he added. The study was published in the journal Plos One. ANI