THE RELATIVE EFFICACY OF PSYCHOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF GERIATRIC DEPRESSION

In contrast to younger adults, a paucity of research examines the rela tive efficacy of treatments for depression among the elderly. Limited research demonstrates the utility of various psychosocial intervention s in comparison and relative to control conditions. This brief, but co herent body of research attests to the efficacy of psychotherapy. The question remains, however, why somatic interventions (e.g., medication , electro-convulsive therapy) remain the treatments of choice among he alth care professionals. This article; examines various explanations f or the limited use of psychotherapy for geriatric depression.