Episode description

Older adults exhibit psychotic symptoms for many different reasons. Treatment may require medical and psychiatric intervention, family support, linkages to community services, and more. The role of psychotherapy with older adults that experience psychosis has received little attention. This training will describe a psychotherapeutic approach to treating older adults with psychotic symptoms based on the literature and the presenter’s clinical experience. The approach includes outreach to identify individuals in need of help; clinical engagement to develop a working relationship; linkage with needed services; and helping individuals reduce the link between triggers and psychotic symptoms. Differences between treating a person with delusional disorder versus schizophrenia will also be discussed.