Cognitive Stimulation Therapy as a Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Geriatric Depression: Evidence from a Pakistani Cohort

Abstract

Geriatric depression is a growing mental health concern in Pakistan, driven by socioeconomic disparities, limited geriatric services, chronic illness, and social isolation. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), an evidence-based psychosocial intervention, offers a promising non-pharmacological approach for managing depressive symptoms in older adults. This study evaluated the effectiveness of CST among a Pakistani geriatric population using a two-phase design: a pilot study (N=20) followed by a main study (N=30). Participants were community-dwelling elderly individuals, old-home residents, and retirees exhibiting mild to moderate depressive symptoms measured using the Urdu-translated Geriatric Depression Scale–Short Form (GDS-SF). Results indicated a statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms across both phases, demonstrating CST’s applicability and cultural relevance in this context. The study underscores CST’s potential as a cost-effective, scalable intervention suitable for diverse elderly populations in Pakistan. These findings highlight the need for integrating CST into community-based mental health programs for older adults.