Extending cognitive-behavioral therapy for late-life anxiety to home care: program development and case examples

Behav Modif. 2008 Sep;32(5):595-610. doi: 10.1177/0145445508314269. Epub 2008 Feb 12.

Abstract

Data suggesting that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficacious for late-life anxiety are accumulating; however, effectiveness has not been well established. Incorporating CBT for anxiety into home care is needed to facilitate access to evidenced-based treatment for a growing population of community-dwelling, functionally impaired elderly people. In this article, the authors describe the development of a home-based CBT program for late-life anxiety, outlining their experience partnering with a community care management organization. They also describe the CBT protocol and present data form two participants who completed the treatment. The two case examples illustrate multiple barriers to achieving successful treatment outcomes with this population. Future research needs to determine the extent to which adaptations are necessary to optimize the success of CBT for anxiety in a home care setting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology*
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Community Mental Health Services
  • Community-Institutional Relations
  • Connecticut
  • Female
  • Health Services for the Aged
  • Home Care Services*
  • Humans
  • Program Development
  • Treatment Outcome