Rationale: A need for evidence-based interventions for depression that were compatible with occupational therapy practice in physical rehabilitation settings was identified as the basis for the development of professional development opportunities for practicing occupational therapists.
Objective: To review the evidence for the use of behavioral interventions for depression. To use a systematic review of national practice guidelines for the treatment of depression.
Methods: The literature was searched using Medline and PsychInfo from 2010. National guidelines that included a systematic review were included. Ratings using the AGREE tool for assessing clinical guidelines was used to extract data and to rate quality. When available AGREE ratings were drawn from the literature.
Results: Twelve clinical practice guidelines were identified that met the quality inclusion criteria. While not all of the clinical practice guidelines that were reviewed were of the highest quality there was good evidence for the use of behavioral approaches when treating depression. Occupational therapists can be confident in the scientific basis for using behavioral approaches to depression.
Conclusions: The results of the literature review support the use of behavioral approaches by occupational therapists when clients are experiencing depression.