A tripartite biopsychosocial intervention program enhances mental health and quality of life in elderly patients with depression secondary to geriatric diseases

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a tripartite biopsychosocial intervention program on mental health and quality of life in elderly patients with depression secondary to geriatric diseases. Methods A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with 166 elderly patients between January 2022 and January 2025. Wards were randomized into an intervention group ( n = 83) and a control group ( n = 83). The intervention group received a biopsychosocial integrated program, while the control group received standard psychiatric care. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 1, 2, and 3 months post-intervention using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF), and the Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOLI-74). Patient satisfaction was evaluated at 3 months. Results The intervention group showed significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms (F interaction = 29.003, p < 0.001), with a higher response rate (98.75% vs. 90.24%, p < 0.05). Mental health scores (POMS, FFMQ, MHC-SF) improved more in the intervention group (F interaction = 143.577, 11.155, 14.658; p < 0.001). At 3 months, GQOLI-74 scores and patient satisfaction were also significantly higher ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The biopsychosocial intervention significantly improves depression, mental health, and quality of life in elderly patients with geriatric disease-related depression.