Literature Review Matrix
Depression is one of the problems that affect geriatric patients. The condition is associated with symptoms such as changes in mood and loss of interest in carrying out the activities of daily living. An elderly individual in geriatric care may find it difficult to cope with the problems associated with depression such as suicide ideation. The literature review paper provides a detailed PICO question that delves into the appropriate interventions that can be used to deal with the problems faced by older adults dealing with depression.
Part I: PICO Analysis of Research Topic
In older adults with depression, does the application of problem-solving therapy for mild executive dysfunction alongside the use of antidepressants reduce the problems of depression compared to cognitive behavioral therapy?
P-Older adults with depression
I-Application of problem-solving therapy alongside antidepressant use
C-cognitive behavioral therapy
O- Reduction of depression symptoms and problems.
PART II: Search Strategy
Step I: The resources that will be utilized
| Electronic Databases | Research or Professional Organizations | Experts in the field to consult | Books, Encyclopaedia, Handbooks |
| Wiley Online Library | International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry | Psychiatrists and Mental Health Nurses | The Oxford Handbook of Psychiatry |
| CINAHL Plus | American Journal of Drugs and Alcohol Abuse | Psychiatrists and Mental Health Nurses | Clinical Handbook of Psychiatry |
| MEDLINE Database | Cambridge University Press | Psychiatrists and Mental Health Nurses | The Oxford Handbook of 4E |
| Cochrane Library | Biomed Research International | Psychiatrists and Mental Health Nurses | Positive Psychiatry: A Clinical Handbook. |
| PubMed | The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry | Psychiatrists and Mental Health Nurses | Positive Psychiatry: A Clinical Handbook. |
Step 2: Identification of Search Terms and Criteria
| Keywords and Phrases | Major Authors | Inclusion Criteria | Exclusion Criteria |
| Problem Solving Therapy | Kristen et al. | Randomized Clinical Trial | Publication within the past 5 years |
| Executive Function Decline | Anna-Mariya Kirova, Rebecca B. Bays, Sarita Lagalwar | Systematic reviews and meta-analyses | Publication no later than 5 year period |
| Problem Solving Therapy | Pin Cuijpers, Leonore de Wit, Anne Kleiboer, Eirini Karyotaki | Systematic reviews and meta-analyses | Publication within the last 5 years |
| Problem Solving Therapy | Julia G. Kirkham, Namkee Choi | Systematic reviews and meta-analyses | Publication within the past 5 years |
| Problem Solving Therapy | Rick et al. | Systematic reviews and meta-analyses | Publication within the past 5 years |
Step 2: Boolean Search Strings
I conducted a detailed literature search using the Boolean literature search strategy. The research topic delves into the effectiveness of the application of problem-solving therapy in helping older adults with depression solve their problems. To find articles that properly compare problem-solving therapy to cognitive therapy, it was critical to use Boolean search strategies. In the identified databases, I typed the search phase ‘Problem-solving therapy AND Cognitive Therapy’ to end up with articles containing the two critical interventions. To end up with journals containing Problem Solving Therapy or cognitive therapy, I used the search phrase ‘ Problem Solving Therapy OR Cognitive Therapy. I ensured that the articles that I selected were published in the last 5 years by using years as a filter.
PART III: Analysis of Literature
| Citation | Conceptual Framework/Theory | Main Finding | Research Methods | Strengths of the Study | The weakness of the Study | Level of Evidence |
| Kirkham, J. G., Choi, N., & Seitz, D. P. (2016). A meta-analysis of problem-solving therapy for the treatment of major depressive disorder in older adults. International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 31(5), 526-535. | Problem-Solving Therapy | Problem-solving therapy is an effective treatment option for | A meta-analysis of Problem-solving therapy | The study makes use of large sample size and hence the findings can be generalized. | A proper comparison between cognitive therapy and problem-solving therapy is not provided. | Level one |
| Stephan, R. A., Alhassoon, O. M., Allen, K. E., Wollman, S. C., Hall, M., Thomas, W. J., & Dalenberg, C. J. (2017). Meta-analyses of clinical neuropsychological tests of executive dysfunction and impulsivity in alcohol use disorder. The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse, 43(1), 24-43. | Problem-solving therapy and cognitive therapy. | The success of cognitive therapy and problem solving depends on a patient’s level of drug and substance abuse. | A meta-analysis of Problem-solving therapy | The study makes use of large sample size and hence the findings can be generalized. | Due to the study design, it cannot overcome subjectivity | Level one |
| Cuijpers, P., de Wit, L., Kleiboer, A., Karyotaki, E., & Ebert, D. D. (2018). Problem-solving therapy for adult depression: an updated meta-analysis. European Psychiatry, 48(1), 27-37. | Problem-solving therapy | Problem-solving therapy is an effective treatment option for depression with small effect sizes. | A meta-analysis of Problem-solving therapy | The study explores the main positive effects associated with problem-solving therapy among depression patients, thus the findings can be generalized. | Level one | |
| Verny, M., Moyse, E., & Krantic, S. (2015). Successful cognitive aging: Between functional decline and failure of compensatory mechanisms. | Cognitive therapy | Cognitive therapy is critical in dealing with cognitive impairment and functional decline for patients with depression | Literature Review | The presented literature review delves into the importance of cognitive therapy in dealing with mild cognitive impairment. The review is based on various research articles and journals | Although the paper addresses cognitive therapy and problem-solving therapy, it does not provide opinions on the most effective form of therapy for patients with depression. | Level one |
| Gustavson, K. A., Alexopoulos, G. S., Niu, G. C., McCulloch, C., Meade, T., & Areán, P. A. (2016). Problem-solving therapy reduces suicidal ideation in depressed older adults with executive dysfunction. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 24(1), 11-17. | Problem-solving therapy | Problem-solving therapy is critical in reducing suicidal ideation for patients with depression. | Randomized Clinical Trial | The journal is based on a randomized clinical trial thus controls cofounding. | Based on the research question, the study does not provide a concrete comparison between problem-solving therapy and cognitive therapy. | Level one |
Step 2: History and Purpose of research Question
Depression among geriatric patients presents with various problems including mood changes and suicide ideation. Elderly individuals require interventions that can help in dealing with the problem. The use of problem-solving therapy is deemed effective in decreasing cases of suicide among the elderly and coping with other problems that might present as a result of the disease process. Based on the presented evidence in the above evidence table, it is important to apply the use of problem-solving therapy to help deal with the problems that geriatric patients with depression have.
Part 3: Strengths and Weaknesses of the Existing Literature
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| The existing literature presents a valid argument on the importance of including problem therapy and cognitive therapy in the treatment plans for patients with depression | The literature does not provide in-depth information on the possible effects of the two types of therapies. |
Part 4: Gaps that exist in Current Literature
The current literature delves into the strength associated with cognitive therapy. However, the significant effects of these two therapies indicate a gap in the literature. It is essential to identify the possible side effects of these two therapies on an elderly patient with depression.