Major Research Findings

Elder abuse is a global public health issue that negatively affects the health, psychosocial well-being, and mortality of older adults. 4 Research and practical efforts to explore effective prevention and intervention strategies for elder abuse are growing. 4 Despite the growing number of intervention studies on elder abuse, research synthesis on the empirical literature seems lacking. 4

Victims of elder abuse are at increased risk for depression and low quality of life. 22 We established an academic-community partnership to test the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a brief psychotherapy for depression (PROTECT) among elder abuse victims with capacity to make decisions. 22 Elder abuse service providers referred depressed (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9] ≥ 10) older victims (age ≥ 55 years) for potential pilot study participation. 22 Forty eligible victims who consented were randomized to PROTECT psychotherapy (N = 25) or a Usual Care (N = 15) condition involving a community psychotherapy referral. 22 Follow-up research assessments were conducted at 6 weeks (mid-treatment) and 9 weeks (end of treatment) after study initial assessment. 22 Mixed-effects regression models were used to examine treatment effects on depression severity and quality of life over time. 22

Elder abuse is common in community-dwelling older adults, especially minority older adults. 2 This review identifies important knowledge gaps, such as a lack of consistency in definitions of elder abuse; insufficient research with regard to screening; and etiological, intervention, and prevention research. 2 Concerted efforts from researchers, community organizations, healthcare and legal professionals, social service providers, and policy-makers should be promoted to address the global problem of elder abuse. 2

The pilot project results found that PROTECT psychotherapy is feasible, acceptable, and effective in reducing depression. 22 With the support of our partnership, we found that PROTECT could be delivered alongside elder abuse services with victims willing to initiate therapy that leads to meaningful treatment effects. 22

Treatment Summary

PROTECT is a brief psychotherapy for depression among victims of elder abuse. 22 PROTECT can be delivered alongside elder abuse services. 22 PROTECT participants showed a significant reduction in depression severity compared to those who received usual care. 22

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

PROTECT has been shown to be effective in reducing depression among victims of elder abuse. 22

Risk Summary

Specific risks of PROTECT are not stated in this article. 22

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities Among Studies

Several studies demonstrate that elder abuse is a serious issue that negatively impacts the health, psychosocial well-being, and mortality of older adults. 4 2

Differences Among Studies

These studies evaluated different types of interventions. 4 22 Some studies explore both prevention and intervention for elder abuse. 4 Other studies focus on specific types of interventions. 22

Consistency and Discrepancies in Findings

These studies provide consistent evidence that suggests psychosocial interventions for elder abuse can be beneficial. 4 22 These interventions can help to reduce depression severity and improve quality of life. 22 However, further research is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. 4 2

Application to Real Life

Psychosocial interventions for elder abuse may be beneficial for victims of elder abuse. 4 However, not all of these interventions will work for everyone. 4 These interventions should be tailored to individual needs to maximize their effectiveness. 4

Limitations of Current Research

Research on interventions for elder abuse faces many challenges. 10 These challenges include variability in the definition of abuse, difficulties with research, and ethical concerns. 10 Additionally, many studies on interventions for elder abuse are small and short-term. 4 Larger, longer-term studies are needed to better understand the effects of interventions. 4

Future Research Directions

Further research on elder abuse should focus on establishing the effectiveness of interventions. 4 It is also important to investigate how interventions for elder abuse can be customized to meet the needs of older adults. 4 Furthermore, it is important to investigate interventions that can be used to prevent elder abuse. 3

Conclusion

Elder abuse is a global public health issue. 4 Victims of elder abuse are at increased risk for depression and low quality of life. 22 It is important to develop interventions to address elder abuse. 4 PROTECT has shown to be a promising intervention for depression among victims of elder abuse. 22 Further research into the prevention and intervention of elder abuse is important. 3 Knowing how to report elder abuse or where to seek information and support on elder abuse can help to protect older adults. 2

Treatment List

PROTECT psychotherapy