A study published in BMC Health Services Research highlights significant age-related disparities in the use of psychotherapy among older adults in Germany. Analyzing data from 13,635 patients who began cognitive-behavioral therapy between 2018 and 2023, researchers found that only about 25% of young-old adults (ages 65-74) and 13% of old-old adults (75 and older) utilized outpatient services, despite their expected higher representation based on population statistics. In contrast, younger adults (ages 18-34) were overrepresented. The underutilization was most pronounced among older adults with post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and dysthymia. The study employed a representation quotient method to quantify these disparities, emphasizing the need for improved access to psychotherapeutic services for older populations. The findings suggest that older adults may face barriers to accessing mental health care, which calls for targeted strategies to enhance their participation in psychotherapy.
Quantifying age-related disparities in outpatient psychotherapy utilization: a representation quotient analysis of routine data from 29 university clinics in Germany
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