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Age factors in patient-therapist relationship
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|February 1, 1979
Summary
Therapist and patient age significantly impacts psychiatric treatment. Older patients are seen as less treatable, and both older and younger patients are less likely to complete therapy.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychotherapy Research
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Therapist and patient age are potential factors influencing psychiatric outpatient treatment.
- Understanding these age dynamics is crucial for effective therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of therapist and patient age on the evaluation and treatment of adult psychiatric outpatients.
- To compare therapist and patient self-ratings across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized rating scales for symptomatology, motivation, insight, and prognosis.
- Conducted a chart review follow-up of 68 patients, examining disposition and drop-out rates.
- Contrasted therapist and patient self-ratings across three age groups.
Main Results:
- Older patients were perceived as sicker but less treatable than younger patients or those of the same age as the therapist.
- Therapists showed a preference for younger patients but formed better relationships with same-age patients.
- Both older and younger patients had significantly lower treatment retention rates.
Conclusions:
- Patient and therapist age are significant, often unrecognized, factors in psychotherapy.
- Age dynamics can affect treatment outcomes and patient retention.
- Modifications to psychiatric training programs are suggested to address these age-related factors.