Cognitive-behavioral therapy with older adults.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular and empirically supported treatment for a number of common mental health problems, including mild to moderate major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, and bulimia nervosa. CBT helps patients reduce or eliminate thinking styles and behavior patterns that contribute to suffering, typically a therapist and patient work together to replace dysfunctional patterns with those that promote health and well-being. A manual is often used to help set goals and identify strategies for change. Older adults can benefit from CBT, especially when modifications recommended for this population are used. One modification for older adults involves addressing physical health as well as spiritual/religious beliefs in the treatment. Resources for health care practitioners pursuing training in CBT techniques and for patients seeking therapy are both readily available in British Columbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]