Significance of premorbid adjustment and psychotherapy in selected case studies

Although psychiatric symptoms are common among elderly individuals, these symptoms are seldom treated by psychotherapy. This article proposes a model to help explain genesis of psychiatric symptoms in late life. The model, which is illustrated by case examples, suggests psychotherapeutic strategies and helps define methods of assessing therapeutic outcomes. The model emphasizes the importance of losses, premorbid adjustment, and mediating factors in determining whether stresses result in adaptation or symptom formation.