Cognitive behavioral therapy, a recently adapted subset of talk therapy, has been hailed in recent years as more effective than both talk therapy itself and pharmaceutical intervention. New research from Washington University's School of Medicine suggests that among older patients, cognitive behavioral therapy is still effective, but becomes less so as we age. Findings can be found in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Designed to treat the root causes of psychiatric conditions rather than just their symptoms, cognitive behavior therapy takes a one-on-one approach to discover and talk through the events and circumstances that lead to common anxiety-related issues. It has been used to successfully treat panic disorder, phobias, general anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Despite its rising popularity, relatively little research has been done on the long-term effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on seniors. It has been assumed that what works for younger groups will work equally well for older ones, but the Washington University findings raise some doubt.
The authors consolidated the results from 12 previous studies from patients aged 55 years or older. Compared with doing nothing, cognitive behavioral therapy provides a moderately effective treatment; it offers only a slightly more effective option than traditional talk therapy or medication. Among younger groups the difference in effectiveness is moderate or large.
The study's authors are quick to point out that their research by no means suggests cognitive behavioral therapy isn't a valid option. In fact, they say, it confirms that it may still be the best option. Instead, the study seeks to show that patients' ages must be taken into account when designing a program with the appropriate intensity, frequency, and length of treatment.
Source: Washington University's School of Medicine
Photo by Jorge Royan
