Problem-solving therapy versus supportive therapy in geriatric major depression with executive dysfunction

Abstract

Objective: The authors compared the efficacy of problem-solving therapy (PST) and supportive therapy (ST) in a group of elderly subjects with impairment in executive functions. This group was targeted because it has been shown to be at the risk for poor response to pharmacotherapy.

Methods: A total of 25 elderly subjects with major depression and abnormal scores in initiation/perseveration and response inhibition tasks were randomly assigned to receive weekly sessions of PST or ST for 12 weeks. The subjects were systematically evaluated by raters blind to the study hypotheses.

Results: PST was more effective than ST in leading to remission of depression, fewer post-treatment depressive symptoms, and less disability. A substantial part of the change in depression and disability was explained by the subjects' improvement of skills in generating alternatives and in decision-making.

Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that PST is effective in reducing depressive symptoms and disability in elderly patients with major depression and executive dysfunction. If these findings are confirmed, PST may become an important therapeutic alternative for a patient population who may otherwise remain symptomatic and disabled.