Brief Behavioral Activation Intervention for Inpatient Depression by Psychiatric Nurses: A Single-Group Study

Abstract

Introduction Behavioral Activation (BA) is a short-term cognitive behavioral therapy modality that stimulates activities that increase patients’ reinforcement experiences. Recent research verified the effect of brief BA. However, despite the short intervention time per session, BA is difficult to implement during hospitalization due to its long implementation period. Objectives To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a brief BA program for people with depression in an inpatient setting. Methods This study employed a single-group pre-post design. Fifteen patients who met the inclusion criteria participated in the trial after providing oral and written informed consent. In addition to their usual care, participants received four weekly sessions administered by a nurse. The primary outcome measures included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), which indicated patients’ subjective depression severity. Clinical outcomes were measured at preintervention, immediate postintervention, and one-month postintervention. Results Fourteen participants completed the BA program and were receptive to treatment. For the primary endpoint, BDI-II, there was an improvement in scores (25.60 to 22.73 to 22.06) between the baseline, postintervention, and 1-month postassessment, but not a significant change. For EQ VAS score, there was no significant change, but there was an improvement in EQ VAS score (51.53 to 52.20 to 55.13) between the baseline, postintervention, and 1-month postassessment. The mean total Global Assessment of Functioning score increased from 40.20 to 57.00 across the pre- and postassessment points ( p < .0001). Conclusion The study comprised a brief BA intervention, with results suggesting that participants could complete the program without feeling burdened. Although there was no significant improvement in the general outcome, depression levels, and other outcomes improved. Thus, while there is a need to rethink BA intervention, this program may be a practical approach to improving depression and other outcomes.