[Psychotherapeutic group intervention for patients in the second half of life]

Mental disorders in the elderly often influence their social and physical wellbeing. Depression and anxiety disorders may frequently be found in elderly patients with chronic diseases; however, we now know that this patient group may benefit from psychotherapy. The psychotherapeutic group "40 plus" provides a supportive group intervention for physically and psychically impaired patients in their second half of life. The group intervention allows them to recognize and to activate their resources, as well as the interaction between physical disorders and psychosocial burdens and possible influential aspects to be perceived. An evaluation of 64 patients who participated in this group intervention showed a significant improvement of depression, psychosocial burdens and somatization. The concept of the group "40 plus" presented here may therefore be seen as to effectively bridge a gap in the health care of the elderly.