Concurrent Group and Individual Psychotherapy in a Psychiatric Day Hospital for Depressed Elderly

Abstract

Concurrent psychotherapy is used in various settings for patients of different diagnoses and ages. The concurrent group and individual psychotherapy of older adults with depressive disorders in a psychiatric day hospital is described, emphasizing phases of treatment and transference and countertransference themes uniquely relevant to working with depressed elderly patients in a day hospital. Case examples are offered to illustrate these issues. The special technical considerations that need to be utilized when multiple therapists and settings are present are described. The model employs the use of an integrative, interactive group therapy, along with various other group treatments and antidepressant medication, with individual therapy serving a subordinate but organizing role.

Longitudinal assessment of psychotherapeutic day hospital treatment for elderly patients with depression

“…The present empirical data on a large sample of patients confirm the observations of Schwartz (2004), who postulated that concurrent group and individual psychotherapy improve depression in a psychiatric day hospital for elderly patients. In addition, our results show that patients' perception of group progresses for all three types of group therapy between admission and discharge.…”

An Integrative Group Therapy Model for Depression and Anxiety in Later Life

“…The themes discussed above are consistent with other reports on depression and anxiety in the elderly (Hinrichsen, 2008;Jensen, Munk, & Madsen, 2010;Schwartz, 2004).…”

“…For example, a day hospital program combining individual and therapeutic milieu interventions with daily attendance for three months was found to improve depression and quality of life in elderly depressed patients (Canuto et al, 2008). Another day hospital example is offered by Schwartz (2004), who described a four-month geriatric group therapy day treatment program augmented by concurrent individual therapy. Although there was no formal evaluation, the individual cases described clearly benefitted from the program's explicit targeting of symptoms of depression, improving quality of life, and minimizing the risk of relapse.…”

Evaluation of a psychiatric day hospital program for elderly patients with mood disorders

“…Staff include a core group of two psychiatrists, two nurses, a social worker, and an occupational therapist; there are also students from these disciplines, as well as other consulting professionals. The program integrates psychodynamic, interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral and pharmacological approaches within a social treatment milieu (Sadavoy, 1994;Schwartz, 2004).…”