Group therapy in older adults

Abstract

Group therapy is a well-established therapeutic modality for older individuals often conducted in combination with individual psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Group leaders must be aware of age-specific factors when working with older cohorts, including the presence of cognitive impairment, physical disability, and loss of independence. A limited number of outcome studies have found that various forms of group therapy in late life are generally efficacious for depression and other symptoms and compare favorably with individual psychotherapy.

A pilot trial of psychological therapy groups for the very old in residential care: Clinical and logistical issues

“…The study presented in this article is a trial designed to scope the viability of providing group psychological therapy for very old frail people living in residential care and presenting with mild to moderate symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. We chose a group format to maximise therapist time, because what literature there is suggests that it as effective as individual therapy (Cody & Drysdale, ), and because people in residential care have many experiences in common apart from frailty, including loneliness, loss of independence, and the sheer difficulty of living with many others at the end of life (e.g., Agronin, ; Schwartz, ). We chose a trans‐diagnostic group because of frequent comorbid anxiety and depression already described and because we expected, and the limited literature suggests, that classifying and treating this population by diagnosis will miss many contextual factors specific to their situation which are influencing level of distress (Cody & Drysdale, ; Richardson & Reid, ).…”

“…The main aim of the study is to explore whether the provision of group psychotherapy would assist participants to cope with their symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Secondly, we wanted to add to the existing small literature (e.g., Agronin, ; Richardson & Reid, ) on the practicalities of running the program. Reviews such as Cody and Drysdale () mention it in passing, but there are multiple logistical problems of which clinicians need to be aware before embarking.…”

Everybody needs a group: A qualitative study looking at therapists’ views of the role of psychotherapy groups in working with older people with dementia and complex needs

“…There are several research articles that highlight the positive outcomes of these interventions. Agronin (2009) movingly describes the increase in self-understanding and self-esteem of Frieda in her psychotherapy group. Canete et al (2000) describe conducting an analytic group with older people in outpatients, finding benefits in belonging and interdependency and in mutual exploration of issues such as loneliness, loss and death.…”

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

“…It is generally considered efficacious for depression and other symptoms, and it compares favorably with individual psychotherapy (Agronin, 2009). Although there is no conclusive evidence pointing to the superiority of group over individual format for treatment of depression and anxiety in the elderly (Kennedy & Tanenbaum, 2000;Mohlman, 2004), group therapy may be especially helpful for older adults.…”