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Session: Optimizing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Older Adults: Considerations for Assessment and Treatment
Mini Workshop 12 - Optimizing Cognitive-behavioral Therapy for Older Adults: Considerations for Assessment and Treatment
Saturday, November 18, 2023
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
Location: Columbia C, Level 3
Earn 1.5 Credit
Keywords: Aging, CBT, Older Adults Level of Familiarity: Moderate to Advanced Recommended Readings: Erickson, J., & Rector, N.A. (2022). Anxiety Disorders in Late Life: Considerations for Assessment and Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 29,635-647., Satre, D. D., Knight, B. G., & David, S. (2006). Cognitive-behavioral interventions with older adults: Integrating clinical and gerontological research. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 37(5), 489–498., Erickson, J. & Rector N.A. (2023). The Aging Well Workbook. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger., ,
Adults over the age of 60 are the fastest growing age group worldwide. Older adults are a historically underserved population with respect to psychological treatment. They have reduced access to qualified geriatric mental health care professionals and evidence-based treatments such as CBT. The effectiveness and optimization of CBT protocols for older adults has received relatively less empirical attention and yet will be of heightened importance as the demand for these services is expected to increase in the coming decade. The objectives of this mini-workshop are three-fold. First, summarize the CBT outcome literature for older adults focusing primarily on the most commonly occurring mental disorders: anxiety and depressive disorders. Various factors implicated in suboptimal response to treatment will be discussed. Second, describe an approach to assessment and case conceptualization with older adults that addresses important developmental factors (e.g., cognitive functioning, emotional and physical changes). Empirically validated self-report measures specific to older adults with anxiety or mood disorders will be highlighted. Third, offer recommendations for tailoring CBT protocols to the unique needs of older adults. Specifically, treatment pacing, cognitive supports, involvement of significant others, and alterations to exposure therapy will be discussed. A case example will illustrate how CBT can be optimized for an older adult with an anxiety disorder.
Outline • Highlight important developmental changes occurring in late life • Review trends in the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in late life • Summarize the CBT outcome literature for older adults with anxiety or depressive disorders and identify factors implicated in treatment response. • Discuss ways in which to enhance the assessment and conceptualization of older adults • Discuss strategies to optimize the provision of CBT to older adults • Review a case study of CBT with an older adult with an anxiety disorder
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the session, the learner will be able to:
Describe the relative effectiveness of CBT protocols for older adults with anxiety disorders or depression relative to other age groups.
Identify age-related factors that may contribute to suboptimal treatment response.
Explain why older adults need specialized approaches to assessment and CBT treatment.
List 3 important considerations when assessing and conceptualizing older adults.
List 3 ways to adjust CBT protocols for older adults to optimize their treatment response.
Long term goal: Further develop competencies to provide CBT to older adults.