Biography
Biography: Aleesa Kittrell
Abstract
Background Depression affects more than 6.5 million Americans age 65 or older. Nonpharmacological treatments including psychotherapy, cognitive stimulation, exercise, reminiscence, and music therapy may be effective in the treatment of depression. This paper discusses the methods and findings of a scoping study that sought to examine the evidence related to 22 nonpharmacological treatments for depression in elderly patients. Method A scoping study of the literature was performed using the framework created by Arksey and O’Malley. Search databases included CINAHL, ProQuest, Cochrane Libraries, Academic Search Premier, PyscINFO, PsycARTICLES, SocIndex, Ovid, PubMed, and Science Direct. A hand search of the literature and a search of professional organizations were also completed. Results A total of 1192 articles were found in the initial search. After an analysis of the articles and application of inclusion criteria, 158 articles were deemed appropriate for this study. Evidence found supports the use of cognitive therapy, life review, and problem-solving therapy as effective treatment modalities for depression in elderly clients. While exercise is represented by 34 percent of the evidence found, the results were mixed and inconclusive regarding its effectiveness. More evidence is needed to support the effectiveness of the other treatments including psychological and alternative therapies. Discussion Results of this study lend support to the use of nonpharmacological treatments of depression in elderly clients, specifically cognitive therapy, life review, and problem-solving therapy. However, gaps exist in the literature providing insight for recommendations for further research.