“Some patients are essentially immobilized by their withdrawal and convinced that their problems are unsolvable, but most will improve their quality of life through CBT,” he maintained.
There are data to support this contention, according to Jesse H. Wright III, MD, PhD, director of the Depression Center at the University of Louisville. He cited controlled studies demonstrating the efficacy of CBT relative to no CBT in relieving depression in the elderly.
“The evidence suggests that combining CBT with pharmacotherapy is better than either alone for managing depression in this age group,” Dr. Wright said.
In developing a therapeutic plan through CBT, patients are given assignments designed to develop participation in meaningful activities. These must be realistic within physical limitations and within the patient’s readiness to engage. Small steps toward a goal might be needed. At each therapeutic encounter, goals are set, and progress should be evaluated at the subsequent therapeutic encounter.