An evidence-based behavioral treatment program, the PEARLS training focuses on two client populations:
older adults and individuals with epilepsy.
The PEARLS training program teaches participants the knowledge and skills necessary to:
- Identify depression among community-dwelling clients, and
- Assist these clients to effectively manage and decrease their depression
Research studies have demonstrated that the PEARLS approach is effective at reducing depression symptoms and improving the quality of life for individuals. PEARLS is included in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs.
Participation in a PEARLS depression treatment program for older adults was shown to be three times as likely as usual care to result in complete recovery from depression.*
Adults with epilepsy receiving PEARLS were more likely to have reductions in depression and improvements in emotional well-being, as compared to usual care.+
The PEARLS training is a dynamic balance of didactic instruction, demonstration sessions, practice sessions, and group discussion.
*Ciechanowski, Pl, Wagner, E., Schmaling, K., Schwartz, S., Williams, B., Diehr, P., et al. (2004). Community-integrated home-based depression treatment in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 291(13), 1569-1577. (PubMed #15069044)
+Ciechanowski, P., Chayter, N., Miller, J. Russo, J., Fraser, R. Unutzer, J. Gilliam, F., and PEARLS Research Team. PEARLS depression treatment for individuals with epilepsy: A randomized controlled trial. Accepted for publication in Epilepsy and Behavior.
Next Training:
Fall 2012
For questions call Zandra Grissom at (206) 685-9514.