Existential Themes in Late Life Depression

This study examines the presence of existential themes (death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness) as identified by Yalom (1980) in persons experiencing late-life depression. Four participants over the age of 60, previously diagnosed with a depressive disorder, were interviewed and their responses were analyzed using Intepretative Phenomenological Analysis (Smith, 2003). Master themes and subthemes were identified and compared from the transcribed interviews. The findings indicate the salient presence of these existential issues in the participants' experiences. The value of existential psychotherapy in addressing late-life depression is also explored. It is concluded that in addition to other modes of psychotherapy, i.e. cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, existential therapy has a critical role to play in the treatment of late-life depression.