Edgaras Dlugauskas1, Augustinas Žemaitis1, Julija Valaitienė2, Toma Misiulytė2
1Clinic of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
2Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
Abstract
Introduction. The global incidence of depression, including in Lithuania, is steadily escalating. Patient education, disseminating comprehensive information about depression and its specific individualized treatment methods, establishes a scientific basis for addressing depression and enhances the therapeutic alliance. Patient engagement in the treatment process and the tailored selection of depression treatment methods are pivotal for effectively managing this condition.
Aim. This study investigates patients’ attitudes toward depression treatment before and after exposure to designated educational materials.
Materials and methods. 61 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe depression, treated at Vilnius University hospital Santaros clinics and Republican Vilnius University hospital from September to December 2023, participated. An 18-question questionnaire evaluated patients’ attitudes toward various depression treatment modalities (medications, psychotherapy, light therapy, electric pulse therapy, art therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and physical activity). Statistical analysis used MS Excel, R, and RStudio; data were statistically significant at p<0.05.
Results. Psychoeducation notably influenced positive attitudes toward light therapy (increased by 40.98 %) and minimally affected medications (increased by 3.28 %). Negative attitudes decreased significantly toward psychotherapy (by 3.28%) and increased toward electric pulse therapy (1.64 % very negative, 13.12 % negative). Neutral attitudes decreased significantly for light therapy (49.18 %) and minimally for medications (1.64 %).
Conclusions. Psychoeducation induces statistically significant shifts in depressed patients’ attitudes toward treatment modalities, suggesting exposure to diverse depression treatments influences coping mechanisms.
Keywords: patient preferences, depression, depression treatment.