Non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of depression in mid-to-older age minority ethnic populations: a scoping review

Abstract

People from minority ethnic (ME) backgrounds are at greater risk of developing depression but are less likely to receive treatment, perpetuated by health inequalities. Non-pharmacological interventions are recommended as the first-line treatment for depression. This scoping review aimed to map international evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for depression in ME populations aged 40 and above. A scoping review was conducted using Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, AMED and Embase. Twenty-one studies were included. Six interventions were identified: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Mindfulness-based, Reminiscence Therapy, Logo-Autobiography and Social Group intervention. Interventions were adapted for ME populations via translation of materials and to the ‘local context’ such as incorporating cultural norms and understanding of depression. This review found a lack of non-pharmacological interventions for depression in people of ME background in the UK. This review indicates a need for non-pharmacological interventions for depression in ME populations in the UK. Recruiting people of ME backgrounds over the age of 40 for randomized controlled trials requires prioritization. It is recommended that non-pharmacological interventions for depression are culturally adapted and co-produced with ME populations.