TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Mental health needs can sometimes take a back seat to physical problems, particularly among older adults, but researchers in three University of Alabama studies are seeking to assist those experiencing depression or anxiety.

Volunteers are being accepted for the studies, two of which focus on the mental health needs of those 60 and older. In one study involving older adults, UA researchers will use techniques to try and assist those with General Anxiety Disorder, said Dr. Forrest Scogin, a professor of psychology who will oversee each of the studies. A second study focuses on depression in those 60 and older, while a third deals with depression in those between 18 and 60. In addition to free treatment, accepted participants receive modest compensation or free self-help treatment materials.

Those interested in participating in one of the studies or in learning more may call 205/348-1921. Those taking medications for anxiety or depression are eligible to participate in the studies as are those not taking medication. Those receiving other psychotherapy treatments are not eligible.

Excessive worry and frequent feelings of dread about the future are characteristics of General Anxiety Disorder, said Scogin, a faculty member in UA’s College of Arts and Sciences. Symptoms of severe anxiousness in the elderly can include fear and decreases in both physical activity and life satisfaction. During treatment, the therapist will briefly visit the homes of participants weekly for six weeks, using techniques such as life review and cognitive behavioral therapy.

In life review, UA psychology graduate student Adriana Coates guides participants through a chronological review of their lives, assisting them in working through unresolved conflicts, striving to help them accept issues and helping them to fairly evaluate past circumstances.

In another technique, cognitive behavioral therapy, the participant is guided in ways to change negative thoughts. One aspect of cognitive behavioral therapy, known as behavioral activation, is the focus of the second UA study, which is designed to treat depression in the elderly. Symptoms of depression include sadness, loss of interest in activities, hopelessness and difficulty sleeping and eating.

In behavioral activation, UA psychology graduate students trained in the technique meet with participants in their homes once or twice a week for about three months. Graduate students assist the participants in finding enjoyable activities to participate in. This study is funded by a grant awarded Scogin from UA's Center for Mental Health and Aging.

In the third study, UA psychology graduate student Jennifer Karpe will investigate whether a new version of a nationally popular self-help method, Dr. David Burn's "Feeling Good" program, is effective in treating depression.

Initially developed for TIME-LIFE video, the program includes audiotapes, a video and multiple workbooks. The original version, "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy," published in 1980 as a self-help book, and more than two million copies are in print, according to the author's web site.

Although self-help books are immensely popular, little research has been done on which ones work best. The UA project attempts to determine the degree to which the expanded version helps in the treatment of depression.

Accepted participants in this study, open to those ages 18-60, will travel to the UA campus at the beginning and at the end of the treatment for assessments and would participate in telephone assessments with UA researchers weekly for four weeks. Participants may keep the self-help program following the study.

UA's Institutional Review Board has granted approval for each of the three studies.