Meta analysis investigating the efficacy of drug treatment and non drug treatment of depression in patients with brain injury

Abstract

Objectives: Brain injury may cause different physical and psychological problems, with depression being one of the commonest illnesses associated with brain injury. The aim of this research study is to analyse the effectiveness of non-pharmacological therapies in the treatment of depression in patients following brain injury. Study Design: This is a meta-analysis comparing pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of depression in patients with brain injury. Methods: Electronic data-base search, hand searching of journals and snowballing method was used to collect relevant data for the study. The only studies that have focused on treatment of depression in brain injury patients between the age of 16 - 64 years were included in this research. Results: Data analysis indicated that both modes of treatment are effective. There was no significant difference between pharmacological studies (pooled effect size d+ value is -0.37) and non-pharmacological studies (pooled effect size d+ value of -0.48). Test for heterogeneity is significant for both sets of data and no publication bias is detected for included studies. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest there is no difference in the efficacy of alternative therapies and pharmacological treatments for depression in patients with brain injury.