Effect of Group Reminiscence Therapy on Depression among institutionalized elderly in Dakahlia Governorate – Egypt

Depression is one of the most important psychosocial problems in later life that may highly influence the quality of life of elderly people in different settings. Reminiscence therapy is one of psychiatric treatment that aims to increase self esteem, socialization, as well as reduce loneliness, sadness, and depression. Objective: Is to determine the effect of reminiscence group therapy on depression among residents of elderly homes in Dakhellia governorate. Study Design: The study used a quasi-experimental research design (pre-post intervention study). Setting: The study was conducted in the three governmental elderly homes in Dakhellia governorate namely; Dar El-Amal, Dar El-Malak Mechael in Mansoura city and Dar El-Walaa in meet ghamr city. Subjects: All elder's residents at the previous settings and fulfilled the study criteria ,their age 60 years and above, able to comprehend and communicate and had mild or moderate depressive symptoms, operationalized by score of ≥ 11 on Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS); their number amounted 38 out of 61 elders were included in the study. Tools: Three tools were used Socio-demographic structured Interview Schedule Sheet, Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) scale and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) short form -15. The study subjects will be divided into small groups, the group consisted of 3 to 5 elder's, and reminiscence sessions were held, once weekly for 8weeks totaling 8 sessions. Results: level of depression was decreased after implementation of reminiscence group therapy, as the mean depression score before the intervention was 7.82±1.49, compared to 6.03±1.33 immediately after the intervention. Conclusion: Reminiscence group therapy decreases the feeling of depression among residents of elderly homes. .Recommendations:-Replicating the study using different group settings as community, with a larger sample size.