Phone-Based Psychological Care Significantly Reduced Levels of Depression, Study Finds

In research began during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers performed the largest study ever undertaken to measure and combat loneliness.

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Researchers have discovered a link between phone-based psychological care and improved depressive symptoms among older adults. In fact, the new study suggests that the benefits of weekly wellness check-ins via phone may even exceed the benefits of antidepressant medication.

Conducted at the University of York, Hull York Medical School, and Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom and published in The Lancet (Healthy Longevity), the study found significantly reduced levels of depression among older adults who received weekly phone calls from specially trained coaches over an eight-week period. During these phone calls, the coaches encouraged the older adults to maintain social connections and remain active.

Study Findings Explained

The study began during the COVID-19 pandemic and was the largest study ever undertaken to measure and combat loneliness. Hundreds of people older than 65 with multiple long-term medical conditions across the UK were asked to participate in the study while simultaneously sheltering in place because of their high risk of contracting COVID-19. Thus, the participants were at a known risk of developing loneliness and depression.