Application of Problem Solving Therapy for Late-Life Anxiety

Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety has demonstrated lower efficacy in older compared with younger adults. Yet, few other evidence-based options for late-life anxiety have been examined. This case series aimed to demonstrate the application of Problem Solving Therapy (PST) to older adults with...

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Published inCognitive and behavioral practice Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 381 - 394
Main Authors Beaudreau, Sherry A., Gould, Christine E., Mashal, Nehjla M., Terri Huh, J.W., Kaci Fairchild, J.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2019
Subjects
anxiety
behavioral treatments
late life
older adults
worry
worry
older adults
anxiety
late life
behavioral treatments
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Summary:Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety has demonstrated lower efficacy in older compared with younger adults. Yet, few other evidence-based options for late-life anxiety have been examined. This case series aimed to demonstrate the application of Problem Solving Therapy (PST) to older adults with anxiety disorders building on PST’s strong empirical support for treating late-life depression. PST was implemented to treat three older primary-care patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. We present treatment outcomes and discuss the feasibility and acceptability of using PST to treat these patients. Implications and lessons learned from these patients are discussed to inform further development of PST to better meet the needs of older patients suffering from late-life anxiety. •Problem Solving Therapy (PST) was feasible in older patients with anxiety disorders.•PST led to clinically meaningful reductions in anxiety for two of three patients.•Added emotion regulation skills could enhance patient learning of problem solving.
ISSN:1077-7229
1878-187X
DOI:10.1016/j.cbpra.2018.05.003