Fear of falling in the elderly and psycotherapic intervention models

Abstract

The aim of this study is to review the psychotherapeutic intervention models used in the elderly who have "fear of falling" and to identify the results. The literature search was performed on the basis of MEDLINE, LILACS and SciELO and ten studies with different designs and interventions were accessed, including two review articles about the fear of falling in the elderly. Among the eight articles that showed intervention models, seven were based on the cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and one was not ​​clear about its driving line. The studies that showed better results in clinical practice used the multidisciplinary intervention. These two multidisciplinary studies used psychology and physiotherapy for assessment and treatment for fear of falling in the elderly, with good effect on health after a six-month-follow-up. Although it presents itself as a public health issue, with high prevalence in the elderly with fear of falling, preceded by a fall or not, there is a lack of studies on models for intervention and recovery of possible impacts that influence routine from elderly with fear of falling. The main finding of this study was the characterization of the fear of falling as a phobia, thus connected to an anxiety disorder, which helps to guide treatment, prognosis and plan of action of the professionals involved. It was concluded that a review of existing models for the fear of falling must be expanded worldwide and that there should be guided research on the models with the best results. This maturing and structuring of knowledge in the field of elderly psyche can come through greater involvement of psychologists in research, adjustments and tests of models for the fear of falling, as well as other specific frames and for the initial evaluation, with the elderly population.