Alzheimer Hastası Bakım Vereninde Kişilerarası Psikoterapi Yaklaşımı: Olgu Sunumu

Abstract

Alzheimer's Disease, which is turning into a public health problem in elderly societies, is characterized by significant deterioration in cognitive as well as behavioral processes, and is defined as a neurodegenerative disease, has a challenging process, especially for caregivers. The caregiver, who is seen as the main decision-maker in the disease, may experience problems with both the patient and the environment due to the burden of care, lack of knowledge about the disease, and the weakness of support networks. While the caregiver tries to manage the disease process, they also face loss and mourning. For this reason, especially the difficulty in accepting and adapting to changing roles brings about conflicts in relationships with the patient and others. At this point where support mechanisms gain importance, the Interpersonal Based Psychotherapy (IPT) Approach, which will be put into practice constructively, has a positive impact on caregiver relationships and makes the process bearable by reflecting positively on the prognosis of the disease. IPT is a psychotherapeutic approach used on many interpersonal problems and psychiatric syndromes, and works on the areas of interpersonal conflict, grief and loss, and role reversal. This case study aimed to evaluate the IPT Approach for D., who was caring for his father with Alzheimer's Disease. It has been seen that the approach plays an effective role when the caregiver's relationship with the patient and others is evaluated. Observed in literature studies is that positive interventions for caregivers have positive effects on both the patient and the caregiver. Olgu D., who experienced conflict in her relationships due to the weight of the burden of care and existing life responsibilities, along with the diagnosis of her father's illness, gained accurate information about the disease. At the same time with the therapeutic approach, the insight gained as a result of strengthening the support mechanisms, explaining the situation and the need for help, and the positive structuring of the social support network were achieved. Key Words: Alzheimer's Disease, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Caregiver