Abstract

Background: Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among elderly individuals, particularly those residing in institutional settings such as old age homes. Social isolation, loss of autonomy, and reduced family interaction contribute significantly to psychological distress in this population. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of supportive psychotherapy in reducing depression among elderly residents of a selected old-age home. Methods: A quantitative pre-experimental one-group pre-test & post-test study was conducted among 50 elderly residents with depressive symptoms in an old age home in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Depression levels were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-Long Form) before and after a 42-day supportive psychotherapy intervention consisting of individual counselling, group discussions, recreational activities, and activity therapy. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and chi-square test. Results: The mean depression score significantly decreased from 16.49 ± 2.38 (pretest) to 12.11 ± 2.02 (post-test) (t = 38.54, p <0.001). Before intervention, 90% of participants had mild depression, and 10% had moderate-to-severe depression, whereas after intervention, 32% achieved normal mood, 66% had mild depression, and only 2% had moderate-to-severe depression. Conclusion: Supportive psychotherapy is an effective, low-cost nonpharmacological intervention for reducing depression among institutionalized elderly individuals. Integrating structured psychosocial interventions into geriatric care settings can significantly improve mental health outcomes.

• 1.   World Health Organization. Ageing and health. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021.
• 2.   Valvanne J, Juva K, Erkinjuntti T, Tilvis R. Major depression in the elderly: a population study. Int Psychogeriatr. 1996;8(3):437-443. (PubMed)
• 3.   McCrea D, Arnold E, Marchevsky D, Kaufman B. The prevalence of depression in geriatric medical outpatients. Age Ageing. 1994;23(6):465-467. (PubMed)
• 4.   Pilania M, Yadav V, Bairwa M, et al. Prevalence of depression among elderly persons in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health. 2019;19:832. (SpringerLink)
• 5.   Zalavadiya DD, Banerjee A, Sheth AM, et al. A comparative study of depression among elderly inmates of old age homes and community. Indian J Community Med. 2017;42(4):204-208. (PubMed)
• 6.   Jongenelis K, Pot AM, Eisses AM, et al. Prevalence and risk indicators of depression in nursing home patients. J Affect Disord. 2004;83(2-3):135-142. (PubMed)
• 7.   Cuijpers P, van Straten A, Smit F. Psychotherapy for depression in older adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Psychol Rev. 2006;26(7):891-903.
• 8.   Pilania M, Yadav V, Bairwa M, et al. Prevalence of depression among elderly persons in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health. 2019;19:832.
• 9.   Zalavadiya DD, Banerjee A, Sheth AM, et al. A comparative study of depression among elderly living in old age homes and in community. Indian J Community Med. 2017;42(4):204-208.
• 10.   Jongenelis KI, Pot AM, Eisses AMH, et al. Prevalence and risk indicators of depression in elderly nursing home patients. J Affect Disord. 2004;83(2-3):135-142.
• 11.   Cuijpers P, van Straten A, Smit F. Psychotherapy for depression in older adults: a meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev. 2006;26(7):891-903.
• 12.   Winston A, Rosenthal R. Supportive psychotherapy. Am J Psychiatry. 2004;161(7): 122-130

Data Sharing Statement

Funding