LATE-LIFE DEPRESSION AND FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY - THE ROLE OF GOAL-FOCUSED GROUP-PSYCHOTHERAPY

This study compares the efficacy of two time-limited group psychothera pies for depression and functional disability in late life. Goal-focus ed group psychotherapy (GFGP) utilized focused psychoeducation and ski lls training to assist each patient in the achievement of individualiz ed goals. Reminiscence therapy (RT) emphasized individual life review to facilitate discussion, Subjects (N = 13), ages 55 and above, with m ajor depression were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Most were receiving antidepressant treatment. All had failed to achieve ful l remission. Whereas both treatment groups improved in depressed mood and disability, GFGP subjects had a far greater change in depressive s ymptomatology and also improved in the areas of hope, hopelessness, an xiety and social functioning. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.