Case Report_CBT based comprehensive psychotherapy in an elderly female with resistant chronic depression.

Abstract

Background: The population of the elderly has been on the rise in recent years and this demographic trend is likely to continue. Depression tends to be common in the elderly. Further it is possible that cognitive abilities start deteriorating as a result of depression and even more so due to several changes that are already occurring. This may impact an individual’s cognition, functionality, and autonomy, may progress from a subclinical level to a pathological level if not intervened early. Medications work to reduce symptom severity but sometimes patients become resistant to it and other interventions have to be used. CBT techniques have been found to be effective to treat depression and further efficacy of reminiscence therapy for older adults with mild to moderate depression has been established. Method: The present study was undertaken with the objective of establishing the efficacy of a comprehensive psychotherapy program for an elderly woman, aged 66 years, who presented with a diagnosis of chronic depression, along with chronic pain and sub clinical cognitive limitations. Techniques of CBT, reminiscence therapy and cognitive training was carried out for 8 weekly sessions. Results: The outcome of the intervention showed improvements in overall functioning along with generalization of the training, thereby implicating the effectiveness of the intervention. Conclusion: Thus, it is important to promote active aging, fostering healthy mental functioning and training the cognitive capabilities, to avoid pathological aging or reducing its impact.