Cognitive therapy integrated with life review techniques: an eclectic treatment approach for affective symptoms in older adults.
BACKGROUND
An important aspect of nursing theory development has been the adaptation of theory from other disciplines within the metaparadigm of nursing. This eclectic approach to theory development enhances the broad humanistic theory base on which effective, professional nursing practice is based.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to describe the process of integrating two distinct psychotherapeutic approaches into one coherent mental health nursing intervention for the treatment of affective symptoms in older adults. Guidelines for using this integration process in psychiatric mental health nursing clinical practice are presented and illustrated through the case study approach.


METHODS
A case study is presented describing a clinical situation in which life review techniques were used to enhance the outcomes of a cognitive therapy experience for older adults enrolled in outpatient psychotherapy treatment for acute adjustment disorder with an affective component.


CONCLUSIONS
The advanced practice psychiatric mental health nurse who approaches psychotherapeutic interventions with older adult clients from an eclectic approach can achieve successful outcomes by having a clear understanding of (i) the dynamics of the various psychotherapeutic approaches, (i) the skill level of the practitioner, (iii) the psychosocial sophistication of the client, and (iv) the pathology being treated. In addition, active involvement by the client in a treatment process that matches his/her psychosocial skill and coping resource level will contribute to effective resolution of pathology. A cognitive therapy approach supplemented by life review techniques is an excellent example of an effective, eclectic treatment approach of affective disorders in older adults.
Puentes
William J
WJ
Department of Nursing, Camden College of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Camden, New Jersey 08102, USA. wpuentes@camden.rutgers.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000451:nursing*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001325:Autobiographies as Topic; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D005852:Geriatric Psychiatry / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010358:Patient Participation; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D012649:Self Concept; D016896:Treatment Outcome