Adjustment disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depressive disorders in old age: findings from a community survey.

Based on a new psychopathological model of adjustment disorders (AJD), we propose that AJDs are particular forms of stress response syndromes, in which intrusions, avoidance of reminders, and failure to adapt are core symptoms. We aim to demonstrate that these AJD symptom groups constitute a disorder that is distinct from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complicated grief disorder, major depressive disorder, and subsyndromal depression, by estimating their prevalence and comorbidities. A representative sample of elderly persons from Zurich, aged 65 to 96 years, was assessed by standardized interviews or self-report questionnaires.

[Psychotherapy service utilization and psychotherapy motivation in a representative community sample of the elderly -- results of the zurich older age study].

Objective: To study the extent of real and potential psychotherapy service utilization in the older (65 - 96) population.

Method: We used the Zurich Older Age Study on PTSD, complicated grief and depressive disorders which consists of a random sample of 712 older adults based on a two-stage screening design. Utilization of psychotherapy was assessed by a checklist on service utilization for psychological problems/disorders.