New Wine in Old Bottles: The Transdiagnostic Model in the Case of Geoffrey

Abstract

This reaction to the "Case of Geoffrey" by Dr. Jan Mohlman et al. (2008) highlights its use of a state-of-the-art, clinical combination of the transdiagnostic model and empirically supported, cognitive-behavioral therapies in the treatment of an older adult with multiple problems. I comment on Dr. Mohlman et al.'s creative use of cognitive rehabilitation, as a necessary adjunct to both anxiety and depression in the elderly, and, more generally, on Dr. Mohlman's et al.'s unerring use of tactics, strategies, and interventions with Geoffrey. More specifically, I comment on: (1) the context of aging, both as it applies and serves as background to treatment in later life; (2) evidence-based practice of psychological and psychiatric treatments, as necessary for psychotherapy for older adults; (3) common factors of treatment in Dr. Mohlman et al.'s case that address aging-related issues in therapy which require case-specific alterations that they creatively considered, applied and monitored; and (4) a discussion of what was missing or lacking in Dr. Mohlman et al.'s approach. Their case of Geoffrey should serve as a model for graduate teaching in psychotherapy for older adults.

Can a control model approach assist case formulation in psychotherapy?

“…There are many cases where diagnosis is either not clear or where different clinicians differ in their conclusions regarding diagnosis. The importance of diagnosis in psychotherapy would be further undermined by current trends towards transdiagnostic treatments (Harvey et al 2004;Hyer, 2008;Mansell et al 2009;Carey, 2008a).…”

“…The importance of diagnosis in psychotherapy would be further undermined by current trends towards transdiagnostic treatments (Harvey et al . 2004; Hyer, 2008; Mansell et al . 2009; Carey, 2008 a ).…”