nstitute of Health consensus conference highlighted the need for continued development in this area (January 1997). The types of psychological treatments used on the elderly are specifically designed for aged persons. The central idea in cognitive therapy is to take the negative self-opinion and teach ways to reverse this opinion. Validation and reminiscence are examples of techniques used to get the patient to reflect on the accomplishments of his or her lifetime. Hopefully, this will bring back some pleasant memories of family or other accomplishments. It also allows the patient to look at the impact he or she has made in the lives of others and provides feelings of usefulness. These memories and feelings aid in the individual viewing himself as he once did, with a positive outlook. People often develop negative opinions, called cognitive distortions based on difficulties adapting to change. Normal changes in physical ability, memory, living arrangements, etc. that occur naturally with time can cause an individual to view his life as worthless. The tendency to blame oneself becomes popular because the person likely has an unrealistic view of the aging process. Thus, the goal of cognitive therapy becomes equipping the patient with the ability to alter their internal biased view of life events (January 1997). Medication, specifically antidepressants are among the other treatment options for depression in the elderly. Antidepressants are drugs the patient takes to improve his or her overall mood. These pills must be taken regularly and require several weeks of ingestion before any results will be noticeable. According to Dr. Sunderland, every primary care physician should have at least two or three medicines they feel comfortable using (April 1997). To feel comfortable using a medicine, one must be informed about side effects, how to begin dosing, when to switch dosage, and what to look for in blood tests. Many senior citiz...
