Peer Support Can Reduce Depression Symptoms

In a new study in General Hospital Psychiatry, researchers found that programs incorporating peer interaction in which patients and volunteers share information were found to reduce symptoms of depression better than traditional care alone and were about as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy.    Peer support programs often use volunteers and nonprofessionals and can be done over the phone, on the Internet, or in person.  Because of these factors they can be widely available at a relatively low cost.  Read the news story about the study on Medical News Today.