Citation

Sirey JA, Halkett A, Chambers S, Salamone A, Bruce ML, Raue PJ, Berman J. J. Elder Abuse Negl. 2015; 27(4-5): 438-453.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry , Weill Cornell Medical College , White Plains , New York , United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/08946566.2015.1088422

PMID

26331553

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Rates of elder abuse and depression are both distinctly elevated in older women. The goal of this pilot program was to test the usefulness of adapted Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) and anxiety management, called PROTECT, integrated into routine elder abuse services to reduce depression, increase self-efficacy, and improve abuse outcomes among victims.

METHODS: Older adult women victims of mistreatment who sought assistance from a large, urban elder abuse service were screened for depression and anxiety. Victims with clinically significant symptoms (PHQ-9 or GAD-7 ≥ 10) were randomized to receive either elder abuse resolution services combined with psychotherapy (PROTECT), or elder abuse resolution services and a routine mental health referral.

RESULTS: 68 depressed elder abuse victims were randomized. After 16 weeks, women in the PROTECT group showed a trend toward greater reduction in depressive symptoms (57%) compared to those in the Referral condition (37%), t(44) = 1.765, p = .08. PROTECT clients also endorsed significantly greater perceived improvements in self-efficacy in problem-solving and greater satisfaction with services.

DISCUSSION: These preliminary findings support the potential usefulness of PROTECT to alleviate depressive symptoms among elder abuse victims and enhance personal resources such as self-efficacy that may foster resilience among abused older women.

Language: en