Question: In adults with mental health and financial problems, how effective are interventions for mental health problems, compared to any other or no intervention, in improving patient outcomes?

Answer:

Plain language summary

Limited research evidence suggests that some mental health interventions such as CBT, psychotherapy and antidepressants can be beneficial in improving symptoms of depression in adults with mental health and financial problems. More research into interventions for people with mental health conditions and financial problems in the UK is needed.

Clinical and research implications

Evidence from four, mixed quality trials found that individual psychotherapy, group CBT with or without clinical case management, and antidepressant medication can reduce symptoms of depression and improve social functioning in low income adults with depression. All the research was conducted in the USA in low income populations and may not be generalisable to the UK as some results applied to specific populations such as those with Spanish as their first language. In addition it was in lower income populations who may not have had financial problems associated with low income. Further research is needed to address the reluctance of low income, minority populations to access mental health services. Engaging low income, minority women in services through trusted care providers could prove to be beneficial. More research into interventions for people with mental health conditions and financial problems in the UK is needed.

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