Mental health of older adults: Barriers to psychotherapy and the role of general practitioners
Authors:
G. Šlemarová 1,2,4; O. Čepelka 2; B. Novotná 1,2; M. Dvořáková 3,4; I. Holmerová 1,2
Authors‘ workplace:
Univerzita Karlova, Praha Fakulta humanitních studií, Katedra psychologie a věd o životě
1; Fakulta humanitních studií Centrum pro studium dlouhověkosti a dlouhodobé péče
2; Národní ústav duševního zdraví
3; Centrum Komunikace z. s., Praha
4
Published in:
Prakt. Lék. 2025; 105(4): 149-153
Category:
Of different specialties
Overview
Šlemarová G, Čepelka O, Novotná B, Dvořáková M, Holmerová I. Mental health of older adults: Barriers to psychotherapy and the role of general practitioners Studies show that the prevalence of mental disorders among older adults is increasing. With an ageing population, more older adults experience psychological difficulties, yet psychotherapy remains underutilized. Psychotherapy is an effective and safe method that can significantly improve quality of life, and general practitioners (GPs) are often important gatekeepers in this process. The aim of our study was to identify the barriers perceived by older adults in seeking psychotherapy, the situations in which they would consider it appropriate, and the impact of a GP’s recommendation. An online survey was completed by 1,224 respondents aged 60 years and older. The most frequently reported barriers were lack of information on where and how to access psychotherapy, the belief that one should cope alone, and reluctance to share personal matters with a stranger. Older adults would consider psychotherapy especially in cases of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, long-term stress, and loneliness. A key finding was that if psychotherapy was recommended by a GP, willingness to consider such care increased to 89%. These results indicate that general practitioners can play a crucial role as gatekeepers in overcoming barriers to psychotherapy among older adults. Short, clear recommendations and knowledge of reliable referral options can substantially increase the use of psychotherapy in later life.
Keywords:
psychotherapy – older adults – general practitioner – barriers – mental health
Sources
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Labels
General practitioner for children and adolescents General practitioner for adultsArticle was published in
General Practitioner
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