Pathways for Aging

One of the benefits to teaching at a university is access to the volumes of research in the Library.  One day, while researching articles for the class I teach, I came up on an interesting article, Value of Interpersonal Therapy in Older Adults with Different IPT Foci, in the Jan-Feb 2003 volume of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 

 At WUSTL we are placing increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice, and this article caught my attention, as the researchers examined recurrence rates of major depression in older adults regarding the focus of treatment.  The results of the study showed that clients whose treatment focused on role conflict(usually marital conflict), did much better with ongoing maintenance psychotherapy versus those who received medication only.

 Just a few weeks ago, the therapists of Pathways  for Aging, were discussing issues in termination with clients.  We find that while most clients are treated and discharged successfully, some clients need longterm support, particularly those with limited family support.  Older adults have often lost the family and community support they had in the past, and physical and mental impairments impact their ability to  interact with others and develop new supports.   The therapist must evaluate each client individually and work together with that client to determine what is the best course of action for them.

 We invite your comments and opinions on the value of psychotherapy with older adults suffering from Depression.