The Management of Depression and Anxiety in Older People: Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions, Stepped Care and Collaborative Care

Abstract

This chapter considers the main psychological approaches to the management of anxiety and depression in older people. It explores the challenges clinicians face when choosing the best treatment option and also the best way in which care can be organized and delivered in primary care. The management of depression and anxiety amongst older people follows the same principles as the management of these disorders for working age adults. However, there may be cases where there is a need to adapt treatment to accommodate the presence of physical health problems, sensory impairments, physical frailty or cognitive impairment. This chapter covers the main approaches that are available or could feasibly be offered in primary care, with a specific focus on the most common evidence-supported psychological approaches (especially cognitive behaviour therapy) and innovative frameworks for delivering care for people with depression/ anxiety such as stepped care or collaborative care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)