Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy with older adults

Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy is readily adaptable to use with older a dults. This review integrates discussion of cognitive and behavioral interv ention techniques with recent research and clinical observations in the fie ld of gerontology. Cognitive changes with aging, personality and emotional development, cohort effects, and the social environment of older adults are discussed in relation to psychotherapy. Applications of cognitive behavior therapy to specific late-life problems such as chronic illness and disabil ity, depression, alcoholism, and insomnia are presented. The effectiveness of cognitive and behavioral techniques in treating these disorders in older adults is discussed.