Hallstavik

Symptoms of depression and anxiety are common among older adults, especially those aged 75 and above, who often face challenges like pain, grief, loneliness, cognitive decline, and reduced daily functioning. Despite these issues, older adults are less likely to receive mental health care compared to younger people. This trial evaluates an existential psychological group treatment designed specifically for older adults experiencing psychological distress, aiming to reduce distress and improve quality of life compared to supportive telephone calls. The research also explores whether changes in experiential avoidance affect psychological distress and assesses the treatment's feasibility and participant experiences. Participants are randomly assigned to either a seven-week existential group treatment or weekly supportive telephone calls over the same duration. The group treatment follows a structured manual focusing on aging-related existential themes such as life stories, freedom, loneliness, and death, using literary texts and therapy exercises to help participants engage with these issues. Two therapists guide each group to maintain focus and support members in managing existential concerns. The control group receives empathetic telephone support without psychotherapeutic techniques. Both groups complete evaluations at the start, mid-intervention, immediately after, and three months post-intervention. During the study, participants undergo screening including questionnaires and interviews to confirm psychological distress and cognitive status. Assessments measure changes in psychological distress and experiential avoidance throughout and after the intervention. Researchers monitor treatment fidelity through session recordings and evaluate side effects and participant feedback via focus groups. The study aims to include 140 participants aged 75 or older, with ongoing monitoring and follow-up lasting at least three months after treatment ends.