Kinds of Treatment/Therapy
What types of help are available for people to improve their mental health?
Most older adults who receive treatment for mental illness will get better. However, too many older adults don't get or complete their treatment because they don't understand how the treatment is supposed to work. The goal of treatment should be to provide care in the least restrictive setting that is appropriate for older adults, by people who understand and can treat their mental health needs.
Always remember that you are in charge of your own treatment. You have a right to know any risks and side effects that may be involved. Ask your doctor or therapist any questions you may need answered in order for you to have a full understanding of anything that is new to you. It may help to bring someone with you for support when seeking answers.
Treatment generally falls into two categories: outpatient and inpatient. Outpatient involves less than 24-hour care. Inpatient means 24-hour care. Refer to the sections on Outpatient Services and Inpatient Care for more information.
There are many forms of treatment. Listed are different kinds of therapy for older adults with mental health needs.
Talking Therapy
Talking Therapy involves talking with a mental health counselor alone or with a group. Talking about problems helps people understand themselves and learn more helpful ways of dealing with problems.
Medication Therapy
Medication Therapy involves the use of a medicine to help persons with mental or emotional disorders. Before taking a medication, the person should ask about risk, possible side effects and interaction with certain foods, supplements, alcohol or other medications. Medication should be taken in the prescribed dosage, at the prescribed intervals and should be monitored daily.
Electroconvulsive Treatment (ECT)
Electroconvulsive Treatment (ECT), or shock treatment, is a controversial procedure that involves sending electrical shocks to parts of the brain. It is a treatment for major depression. ECT has some side effects, which may be severe, and must be carefully administered. Those who favor this treatment say it can have positive results when other therapies have not worked. Those who do not favor this type of treatment point to potential side effects such as short- and long-term memory loss and damage to the ability to retain new knowledge. There is also a risk of death.
Adjunct Therapies
Adjunct Therapies are additional therapies that can go along with the psychological therapies. These therapies include movement, art and music therapy.
Substance Abuse Therapy
Substance Abuse Therapy is offered at some inpatient facilities when there is a primary diagnosis of substance abuse. Other psychiatric facilities will treat for substance abuse but only as a secondary diagnosis. At these facilities, the primary diagnosis must be a psychiatric diagnosis.