The PEARLS Program is a highly
PEARLS is a national evidence
-based treatment program for
depression -- Creating active,
rewarding lives in seniors and
in adults with epilepsy.
effective method designed to
reduce depression symptoms
and improve quality of life in
older adults and in all-age adults
Program to Encourage Active
and Rewarding LiveS
with epilepsy. During six to eight
sessions taking place in the
client's home and focusing
on brief behavioral techniques,
PEARLS Program counselors
empower individuals to take
action and to make lasting
changes so they can lead more
Older adults are less likely than
younger adults to have major
depression, but have comparable
rates of the less severe depressive
disorders, minor depression and
dysthymia.
active and rewarding lives.
For more information,
contact: Maegan
541-963-3186
1-800-838-3186
www.ADRCofOregon.com
1-855-ORE-ADRC
Community Connection
of Northeast Oregon, Inc.
541-963-3186
The Three Key Components of
PEARLS

Over the last two weeks how often
have you been bothered by the
following? Answer
“0” if “not at all”,
“1” if “several days”,
“2” if “more than half the days”,
“3” if “nearly everyday”
Little interest or
pleasure in doing
things?
Feeling down,
depressed, or
hopeless
0 1
2
3
0 1
2
3
If you scored a 2 or 3 on either of
these questions you may be
suffering from minor depression.
Minor depression is
characterized by loss of interest or
pleasure in activities, and feelings
of sadness or hopelessness. It
strikes about 14 percent of
seniors, many of whom are
dealing with isolation, loss of
friends and family, and debilitating
chronic diseases. Seniors who
have diabetes are more than
twice as likely as other people
their age to be depressed.
Who is PEARLS for?
PEARLS is designed for
individuals with
Minor Depression, Dysthymia,
and Major Depression.

An individual suffering from
Minor Depression has some
symptoms of depression, but
does not meet the criteria for
major depression or dysthymia

An individual suffering from
Dysthymia has ongoing,
low-grade depression that lasts
for two (2) or more years, where
the depressive symptoms are
present more days than not.
An individual suffering from
Major Depression has enough
symptoms over the past two (2)
weeks meeting the requirements
of a major depressive episode.
Problem solving treatment
Participants learn to recognize
symptoms of depression, understand
the link between unsolved problems
and depression, and apply a highly
effective 7 step approach to solving
their problems.
Social and physical activation
Participants develop a plan to engage
in activities that interest them, since
involvement in social and physical
activities improves quality of life and
mood of people with depression.
Pleasant activity scheduling
Very often, depressed individuals find
it difficult to initiate activities that are
enjoyable. PEARLS participants work
with the PEARLS counselor to identify
and participate in activities they find
pleasurable, which helps them
manage their depression.
Medical and Psychiatric Supervision
In order to address any medical
problems that may arise during a
client’s PEARLS Program treatment,
each PEARLS case is reviewed
regularly by a team that includes a
mental health specialist. The
supervisor can also address other
causes of depression and, when
necessary, work with the client’s
primary care provider or other health
care provider to begin medication
treatment for depression.