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Institute of Mental Health Research

CASPER/CASPER+ & SHARD

The aim of the CASPER research programme was to examine how best to treat older people (aged 65+) who suffer from low mood and depression. There were three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and a cohort study included in the programme.

The original CASPER trial examined a treatment called Collaborative Care for older people with subthreshold (low severity) depression. Older people were recruited into the trial and followed up for 12 months.

The CASPER Plus Trial examined Collaborative Care for older people who met the criteria for a formal diagnosis of depression (major depression). Older people were recruited into the trial and followed up for 18 months. In older people with major depression, adding Collaborative Care to usual GP care improved outcomes at 4 months, but not at 12 or 18 months.

Read the JAMA paper about CASPER

Read the HTA paper for CASPER+ results

CASPER was generously funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR; Grant Reference Number: 08/19/04). CASPER trial registration ISRCTN02202951. CASPER Plus was funded by the NIHR (Grant Reference Number:10/57/43). Its formal title is the CollAborative care and active surveillance for Screen-Positive EldeRs Plus (CASPER Plus) trial. It received ethics approval from Leeds East Ethics Research Committee. CASPER Plus trial registration ISRCTN45842879.

SHARD

The SHARD Trial was part of the CASPER research programme. The SHARD Trial examined a self-help booklet for older people with subthreshold depression. The team recruited older people into the trial and followed them up for 12 months. 

The treatment consisted of a self-help booklet which was designed using the principles of BA. The booklet is called 'Helping you to maintain a positive mood in older age: a self-help workbook'© and is 20 pages long. People who received the booklet also received up to three telephone calls designed to check that the materials had arrived and to offer practical advice and encouragement to use the materials. In addition, all participants received the usual care from their GP.

SHARD was generously funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) (Grant Reference Number: 08/19/04). Trial registration ISRCTN95270332.