For those who received neuroleptics during the year, there was greater change in both developing and resolving disruptive behaviors than for those not receiving neuroleptics. For both groups, restless or pacing behavior and belligerent behavior manifested by refusing instructions changed the most, both in developing and in apparently resolving. Our results show that change in disruptive behaviors occurs among nursing home residents regardless of neuroleptic use, but it occurs more frequently among those who receive neuroleptic medication. Knowledge of which disruptive behaviors are most likely to resolve or develop is important in training nursing home staff to cope with the behaviors as well as in planning interventions that may modify such behaviors. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of the beneficial effects of early antidepressant treatment on the cognitive function of poststroke depressed patients.
Depression is a common psychiatric disorder of the aged.
Recommended changes in technique and common themes when dealing with the frail elderly are described, including the use of supportive CBT for patients with mild cognitive impairment. The authors experiences suggest that CBT is an effective treatment for depression and other affective disorders of the frail elderly, and is especially useful when somatic treatments are contraindicated or produce intolerable side effects.