Psychological Intervention with the Elderly

RESUMO

The present paper reviews some of the issues in psychological interventions with the aging individual, such as the impact of age, the role of the psychotherapist, special problems for the psychotherapist, the themes and the goals of therapy. It also gives a brief outline of outcome research in three psychotherapy approaches, psychodynamic, behavioral and cognitive therapies. Results indicate that structured, short-term psychotherapy of any type could play a significant role in the treatment of the elderly. Therefore, a key element for success of psychological interventions must be a diversity of the treatment offered to allow each person to find his or her personal form of therapeutic support. The risk is, however, that a large number of older patients who might benefit from psychotherapy often do not receive it. A short inventory of miscellaneous therapeutic approaches, individual as well as in group settings, is provied. Furthermore, recent reports have shown that patients who are in the early stages of dementing illnesses such as Alzheimer`s Disease (Ad) may also profit from psychotherapy. It can often reduce depression experienced by Ad patients in the early stages of dementia as they become aware of their declining mental abilities. In conclusion, the literature conveys abundant messages that psychological intervention with the aging adult represents both new stimulating challengs and new exciting opportunities