Cognitive treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in the elderly. A longitudinal study

This article aims to verify whether a cognitive treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) adapted to elderly subjects can lead to long-term improvement in symptomatology and quality of life.

We present a longitudinal study of 32 subjects over the age of 65 years, with no cognitive impairment or mild impairment, residing in two nursing homes. We compare a target group (n=16) with PTSD treated with 20 CBT sessions and a control group (n=16) with PTSD without symptom treatment. The two groups are compared in four stages: (T1) before treatment of the target group's PTSD, (T2) after treatment of PTSD, (T3) after six months of follow-up and (T4) after 18 months of follow-up. The absence of cognitive impairment is verified with the MMSE. The evolution of PTSD is monitored with the CAPS. The evolution of the quality of life of the subjects in the target group is verified with the ADRQL.

If both groups show elevated PTSD symptoms at the beginning of the study (T1), the signs of PTSD disappear for the target group at the end of treatment (T2) at the same time as quality of life improves (scores more than doubled). These improvements continue for more than 18 months (T4). Conversely, the control group retains high PTSD symptoms, without significant decrease over time.

The treatment of PTSD by cognitive-behavioural therapy adapted to elderly people without cognitive impairment, or with mild cognitive or memory disorders, allows for a lasting disappearance of symptoms and an improvement in quality of life.