Possibilities and limits of psychotherapy of older adults in the context of psychosocial care in the Czech Republic

ABSTRACT FOR 12th EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON MENTAL HEALTH IN KRAKOW (2024)

Gabriella Šlemarová, Blanka Novotná, Alžběta Bártová

Centre of Expertise in Longevity and Long-term care, Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague

Background: The aging population poses challenges in healthcare and social services, notably the increased prevalence of mental health problems among older adults. Despite this need, older adults underutilize psychotherapy, often seeking help from general practitioners (GPs) and reporting somatic issues. GPs focus more on physical than mental health, and referrals to psychotherapy are uncommon. Concurrently, social prescribing is proving to be an interesting tool, as an integrative approach to non-pharmacological methods. Health care providers can use this prescribing beyond clinical services to address psychosocial issues. This research explores barriers to psychotherapy for older adults and integrating GPs in the referral process for both psychotherapy and social prescribing.

Methods: A pilot study was conducted with 1224 respondents aged 60+, using an online platform. The survey included questions about knowledge, attitudes and barriers towards psychotherapy, and willingness to seek help. Additionally, research studies involving social prescribing were analyzed.

Results: The main barriers for older adults seeking psychotherapeutic help include lack of information, misconceptions about psychotherapy's effectiveness in elderly, viewing depression as a normal part of aging, belief in self-reliance, and fear of disclosing personal issues. Most respondents indicated they would follow their GP's recommendation, highlighting the role GPs could play in referring patients to psychotherapeutic services. Also, social prescribing, whereby healthcare providers refer patients to non-clinical services, appears promising in addressing psychosocial problems.

Conclusions: The study recommends targeted interventions to enhance mental health literacy and increased GP involvement. This integrated approach could ensure a more holistic and accessible mental health care system, addressing both clinical and non-clinical needs and improving the quality of life for older adults.

Future Research Objective: The goal is to provide recommendations for GPs in the form of a "toolkit" with clear guidelines on recommending psychotherapy to older adults and using social prescribing in psychosocial care as an alternative or complement to medication.

This study was carried out with the financial support of the Charles University Grant Agency (GA UK), grant no. 149524 (Possibilities and limits of psychotherapy of older adults in the context of psychosocial care in the Czech Republic).