Effectiveness of CBT in Treating Depression in Older Adults

This report delves into the prevalence and characteristics of geriatric depression, a significant mental health concern among older adults. It explores the symptoms, which include overwhelming sadness, insomnia, withdrawal, and suicidal thoughts, and highlights the various factors contributing to this condition, such as health and financial transitions. The core focus of the report is the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in treating geriatric depression, citing multiple studies that demonstrate its effectiveness in a significant percentage of patients. The report analyzes research findings, including studies by Thompson et al. (2015) and Kok & Reynolds (2017), to support the conclusion that CBT is a viable and effective therapeutic approach for older individuals struggling with depression. The report also includes references to relevant literature, providing a comprehensive overview of the topic for students and researchers alike.

Depression in Old Age

Introduction
 Depression is common in the older
individuals these days.
 It is not a disease condition that is associated
with the increasing age.
 In Canada, there are about 10-15% older
adults, who are suffering from depression
(Bélanger et al., 2016).

Concept of Geriatric Depression
 Geriatric depression can be described as a
depressive condition that is associated with
the old age.
 Symptoms:
 Overwhelming sadness;
 Insomnia;
 Withdrawal;
 Thoughts of Suicide (Morimoto et al.,
2014).

Concept of Last Stage of Life
 Old age is also known as the last stage of life.
 There are various changes experienced by the
people at this stage of life (Vroman, Arthanat
& Lysack, 2015).
 Physical;
 Emotional;
 Social;
 The risk of death is high at this stage of life.

Concept of Risks from Depression at Old
Age
Impaired social relations
(Schwarzbach et al.,
2014).
Progression of the
complicated disease
condition, which is
already existing(Barrera
& Spiegel, 2014).
Risk of earlier death
(Padayachey, Ramlall &
Chipps, 2017).

Causes of Geriatric Depression
Health
Transition
Financial
Transition
Occupational
Transition
Situational
Transition
Social
Transition

Research Question
How effective is cognitive behavioural theory in treating
geriatric depression?

Answering the Research Question
 It has been found from a study that Cognitive Behavioural
Therapy (CBT) is effective in 67% of the patients (Thompson et
al., 2015).
 A study by Kok & Reynolds also found the cognitive
behavioural therapy to treat depression in the older adults (Kok &
Reynolds, 2017)
 A pilot study conducted on different adult groups also found the
CBT as an effective therapy for treating depression (Khatri,
Marziali, Tchernikov & Shepherd, 2014).

Conclusion
 The geriatric depression involves symptoms like withdrawal,
feelings of worthlessness, thoughts of suicide, lack of sleep and
various others.
 The causes of geriatric depression involves various transition like
health transition, financial transition and various others.
 The cognitive behavioural therapy is effective in treating geriatric
depression.

References
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Bélanger, E., Ahmed, T., Vafaei, A., Curcio, C. L., Phillips, S. P., & Zunzunegui, M. V.
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Continued.
Kok, R. M., & Reynolds, C. F. (2017). Management of depression in older adults: a
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Morimoto, S. S., Wexler, B. E., Liu, J., Hu, W., Seirup, J., & Alexopoulos, G. S. (2014).
Neuroplasticity-based computerized cognitive remediation for treatment-resistant
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Continued..
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