A Brief Review of Cognitive-Behavioural Treatments in Old Age

Abstract

Recent studies using a cognitive-behavioural approach to the treatment of functional problems presented by the elderly, particularly those likely to be referred as out-patients, are discussed. It is argued that there is some evidence to suggest that a number of methods may help to reduce certain psychological problems in the elderly, although treatment modifications may sometimes be required for this age group.

Structured Group Reminiscence: An Intervention for Older Adults

“…Articles reviewed covered a wide range of disciplines, including nursing, medicine, social sciences, education, and theology. Furthermore, several dissertations (Norris, 2001;Stinson, 2007;Taylor-Price, 1995) and systematic reviews (Bohlmeijer, Roemer, Cuijpers, & Smit, 2007;Buchanan et al, 2002;Hsieh & Wang, 2002;Leng, 1985;Lin et al, 2003) referring to reminiscence, depression, older adults, and process were analyzed to provide an overview of the topic. References noted at the end of articles were handsearched and also used as sources.…”

Structured reminiscence: an intervention to decrease depression and increase self‐transcendence in older women

“…Reminiscence is a proposed intervention to increase self‐transcendence and decrease depression in the older population (Butler 1963, Tornstam 1994, Wadensten & Carlsson 2001). Literature reviews on reminiscence have not been consistent (Romaniuk 1981, Leng 1985, Norris 2001, Buchanan et al. 2002, Hsieh & Wang 2002, Lin et al.…”

“…Studies on reminiscence and its effect on depression have differed widely in methodology making it difficult to compare results to determine feasibility of reminiscence as an effective intervention (Leng 1985, Norris 2001, Buchanan et al. 2002, Hsieh & Wang 2002, Lin et al.…”

Obsessive-compulsive disorder in the elderly: A report from the International College of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders (ICOCS)

“…Case reports described the use of exposure therapy to successfully treat older people suffering from OCD or phobic avoidance [4]. This intervention, however, was not found to be useful for elderly people with severe physical limitations or moderate to severe intellectual impairment [18,19].…”