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Post-traumatic stress disorder in older adults: a systematic review of the psychotherapy treatment literature
- Authors:
- DINNEN Stephanie, SIMIOLA Vanessa, COOK Joan M.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 19(2), 2014, pp.144-150.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: This systematic review examined reports of psychological treatment for trauma-related problems, primarily post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in studies with samples of at least 50% adults aged 55 and older using standardised measures. Methods: The review of the literature was conducted on psychotherapy for PTSD with older adults using PubMed, Medline, PsychInfo, CINAHL, PILOTS, and Google Scholar.Results: A total of 42 studies were retrieved for full review; 22 were excluded because they did not provide at least one outcome measure or results were not reported by age in the case of mixed-age samples. Of the 20 studies that met review criteria, there were: 13 case studies or series, three uncontrolled pilot studies, two randomized clinical trials, one non-randomized concurrent control study and one post hoc effectiveness study. Significant methodological limitations in the current older adult PTSD treatment outcome literature were found reducing its internal validity and generalisability, including non-randomised research designs, lack of comparison conditions and small sample sizes.Conclusion: Select evidence-based interventions validated in younger and middle-aged populations appear acceptable and efficacious with older adults. There are few treatment studies on subsets of the older adult population including cultural and ethnic minorities, women, the oldest old (over 85), and those who are cognitively impaired. Implications for clinical practice and future research directions are discussed. (Edited publisher abstract)