Feasibility and Outcome of an Inpatient Interpersonal Skills Group for Older Adults (65+) With Acute or Chronic Depression

Abstract

Abstract. In light of ongoing demographic changes, it is essential to tailor psychotherapeutic approaches and interventions to the specific needs and characteristics of older adults. An interpersonal skills group (ISG) for older adults consisting of modified Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) elements (Situational Analysis, Kiesler Circle Training) was integrated into the treatment schedule of an inpatient setting in routine clinical care. Feasibility and outcome were evaluated in a pilot study including 13 older patients ( Mage = 77.3, range 66–87 years) diagnosed with a major depressive disorder. Results indicate very good feasibility as well as a significant reduction of depressive symptoms in self-report measures and observer rating at discharge ( d = 1.00 to d = 5.62). No significant changes were observed in interpersonal distress, whereas significant changes in the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ reappraisal: p < .001) and the Impact Message Inventory (IMI: p = .002 to p < .001) were reported and discussed. However, the results in the observer rating are likely to have been overestimated through a nonblinded rater. Further studies should examine the efficacy of age-tailored CBASP programs for older adults in large randomized controlled trials.