Existential group treatment for older adults (75+) with psychological distress in primary care: a randomized controlled trial

Project Summary

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common among older adults. In Sweden and in many other countries, the highest suicide rates are seen in people over 75, yet older people receive psychological treatment to a lesser extent than younger people. This may partly be due to ageism but also to the fact that the evidence base for psychotherapies for older adults is limited.

The project's objective is to evaluate an existential group treatment based on existential psychology. The treatment is aimed at patients in primary care who are over 75 and have symptoms of psychological distress. The treatment was developed as an improvement project at Slottsskogens Vårdcentral in Gothenburg and received The Swedish Association of General Practice award for best improvement project in 2019.

The current project is designed as a randomized controlled trial (RCT), where study participants participate in either existential group therapy or in individual supportive telephone calls. The outcome (mental health, psychological symptoms, experiential avoidance, quality of life) is compared between the different intervention groups. In order to qualitatively evaluate the participants' experiences, focus groups will also be conducted.

The project is conducted for three years at primary care health centers within Region Västra Götaland. The University of Gothenburg is the research principal. We collaborate with researchers at Karlstad University.

The project will contribute knowledge about the effect and relevance of psychological methods in the treatment of mental illness in a vulnerable and under-prioritized age group.

Collaboration

We collaborate with:

• Karlstad University
• Region Västra Götaland