Abstract:
This study was a survey of depression research in Thailand conducted between
1967-2005 (B.E. 2517-2550). The objectives of this research were to describe and
analyze research characteristics and research results. The depression research was
searched from database and by manual search. 183 research papers were found and
included in this study. Results were as follows: 1) Characteristics of depression
research: Most research studies (66.7%) were conducted as a part of academic study,
were pure or basic research, specified research problems or research questions,
research objectives, and research hypotheses with direction. In addition, most research
was non-experimental, used psychosocial theories as conceptual framework,
conducted in adult physically ill male and female patients, collected data in hospital,
did not specify sample size calculation, and employed non-probability sampling
methods. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale (CES-D), Beck
Depression Inventory (BDI), and Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS) were used
to assess depressive symptoms in most studies. The quality of most instruments were
tested using validity and reliability. Most studies analyzed data using both descriptive
and inferential statistical techniques. 2) Results from research results analysis
according to non-experimental studies (120 studies) and experimental studies (56
studies) showed that most non-experimental studies explored prevalence and incidence
of depression in various population groups ( 40 studies), factors related to and
predictors of depression (58 studies), and the development of instruments to assess
depression (15 studies). For experimental studies, results showed that most studies
investigated the effect of various psychosocial interventions on depression, such as
individual and group counseling (e.g. Gestalt and Roger theory) cognitive therapy,
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation, and relaxation. etc. In addition, most
studies were conducted in physically ill patients, especially cancer patients.
Results from this study suggested that research of psychiatric patients or at risk
populations, such as caregivers and workers, should be conducted. Promotion and
prevention research should be conducted.