Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group for Older Adults Delivered by Telethealth

Feasibility of Delivering Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Older Adults With Depression and Anxiety by Telehealth

The present aim of the study is to to adapt an established, manualized enhanced Group CBT (CBT-E) for seniors to a telehealth format, which will allow us to offer the group virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The goal of this project is to adapt an established, manualized enhanced Group CBT (CBT-E) for seniors to a telemedicine format. Currently the Geriatric Psychiatry service associated with the Nova Scotia Health Authority offer two CBT-E groups every year. They are usually facilitated by psychiatry residents, under the supervision of a staff psychiatrist. Due to the risk of COVID-19, we will not be holding in-person groups this year. Instead we will offer the group in a smaller, telemedicine format. For this project, we will change the group structure and activities to allow it's delivery in a virtual format. This study will assess feasibility, tolerability of the telehealth format by using the System Usability Scale and Group Satisfaction Survey. It will also assess response to online therapy buy using pre- and post-group questionnaires including the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Perceived Quality of Life Questionnaire. Paired t-tests will be used to analyse the data and determine whether there has been an improvement in participant's symptoms and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• People over the age of 65
• Diagnosis of either or both Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) of mild or moderate severity and an anxiety disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder or panic disorder.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with psychosis
• Patients with dementia
• Patient with severe Major Depressive Disorder or Anxiety Disorder
• Patients with antisocial or borderline personality disorder
• Patients with acute suicidal ideation.
• Older adults who do not have access to the technology required for group; computer, phone or tablet with a webcam and access to Internet

These are also exclusion criteria for the CBT group outside of the study. People younger than 65 are also excluded from the group because it is offered to older adults only.