Brain behaviour therapy to treat depression
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) may be effective in treating depression and anxiety in older Australians, with improvements continuing three months later, according to new research from Macquarie University.
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) may be effective in treating depression and anxiety in older Australians, with improvements continuing three months later, according to new research from Macquarie University.
Researchers from the University’s Centre for Emotional Health released results that show psychological treatment has had a positive impact in reducing the symptoms of 62 adults aged more than 60 years who have comorbid anxiety and depression.
Lead researcher, Dr Viviana Wuthrich, claimed in a statement released by the university, that the research assisted in filling an existing gap, where previously little research has been conducted to examine the value of psychological treatment methods in both depression and anxiety comorbidity.
“Anxiety and depression are commonly comorbid in older adults, and are associated with worse physical and mental health outcomes and poorer response to psychological and pharmacological treatments,” Dr Wuthrich said.
“Surprisingly the majority of past studies have focused on the treatment of primary depression or anxiety separately, and not their comorbidity. This study offers a good indication that an effective way to combat both of these conditions simultaneously is to offer cognitive behavioural therapy in groups.”
Participants took part in a 12 week program comprising two hour sessions in groups of six to eight. They conducted self-assessments and were also assessed by clinicians unaware of treatment condition. Results revealed recovery rates three months after the CBT program in the treatment group was 52%, compared to just 11% of participants placed in a waitlist group.
“Despite stereotypes that older adults are set in their ways, and being worried or irritated is a normal part of ageing, our research indicates that not only are older adults capable of learning how to manage anxiety and depression, but as a group they are very keen to learn how to improve their lives using psychological techniques,” Dr Wuthrich said.
