Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy: a comparison between younger and older adults in two inner city mental health teams.
There is little evidence about the efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the older adult population. Research highlights that the preferred treatment for this group appears to be medication. This study compares an older adult mental health service with a younger adult service in terms of range of referrals, outcomes, attendance rates and length of time in therapy. The range of disorders referred was a wide mix of anxiety disorders and depression. There were no significant differences in therapy outcomes apart from home adjustment measures where older adults showed greater improvement. Younger adults showed significantly higher rates of non- attendance (DNA) and had higher dropout rates. Possible reasons for this are discussed. CBT appeared effective in both age groups, however older adults were treated more quickly due to a higher attendance rate.
Walker
D A
DA
South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, UK.
Clarke
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014505:Urban Population