Does age matter? Initial treatment goals of older adults with major depression in outpatient cognitive behavioural therapy

M. Sittler, F. Lechner - Meichsner, G. Wilz, E.-M. Kessler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background

Personal treatment goals (PTG) are important means to tailor psychotherapy to the needs of the patient, leading to increased engagement and greater improvement in relevant outcomes. According to lifespan developmental research, motivational goals in old age differ from goals of younger people, with management of losses rather than growth becoming more prevalent. However, this study is the first to systematically investigate age-specific differences in PTGs.

Method

We used routine data from patients with major depression assessed at the beginning of outpatient cognitive behavioural therapy. Initial high-priority PTGs were assessed using the Bern Inventory of Treatment Goals (BIT-C). Older patients (≥60 years, n = 52) were matched to younger patients (
Results

Using a mixed method approach, high-priority PTGs of both age groups were focused most strongly on reducing depressive symptoms and, subsequently, anxiety. At the same time, older patients focused more strongly on PTGs related to well-being and functioning, while younger patients' emphasis was on personal growth. Furthermore, better coping with the ageing process and physical losses emerged as important PTGs for some older patients.

Conclusion

Initial PTG themes are specific to diagnosis, but also seem to differ in regard to age. Thus, it is important to develop age-sensitive measures that allow appropriate and efficient tailoring of psychotherapy to meet older patients' needs and preferences.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)554-566
JournalClinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
Volume29
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2022
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Does age matter? Initial treatment goals of older adults with major depression in outpatient cognitive behavioural therapy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this