PICO: “If older adults suffering from depression participate in cognitive behavioral therapy, will they experience a reduction in depressive symptoms compared to medication management alone?” Research Question or HypothesisOlder adults are a growing population and currently make up over 13% of today's population. “Unfortunately, depression affects more than 6.5 million of the 35 million Americans age 65 and older” (Duckworth K., 2009). Depression in older people is directly related to disability (Duckworth K., 2009). “The risk of depression increases with age so much so that 40% of those over 85 are affected” (Duckworth K., 2009). “Depression is a serious health problem that affects many older people, causing significant distress and disability, exacerbating existing medical conditions, and resulting in premature death and increased use of services” (Frazer, Christensen, & Griffith, 2005). Depression in the elderly differs from that of young people due to different symptoms and biopsychosocial factors. “Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest” ( Mayo Clinic, 2014 ). “Different forms of depression range from major depression, major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, affecting how you feel, think, and behave, and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems” (Mayo Clinic, 2014). Depression makes it difficult to engage in normal daily chores or activities. According to the American Psychiatric Association, depressed mood and lack of interest are the two main symptoms in late life. Depression in the elderly is directly related to the onset of chronic diseases such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, hypertension. ...... middle of paper ......KM (2005). Effectiveness of treatments for depression in older adults. Med J Aust, 182(12), 627-32. Taylor, D., Meader, N., Bird, V., Pilling, S., Creed, F., & Goldberg, D. (2011). Pharmacological interventions for people with depression and chronic physical health problems: systematic review and meta-analysis of safety and effectiveness. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 198(3), 179-188. Omidi, A., Mohammadkhani, P., Mohammadi, A., & Zargar, F. (2013). Comparison of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and traditional cognitive behavioral therapy with usual treatments on symptom reduction of major depressive disorder. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 15(2), 142.Mayo Clinic Staff (2014). Depression: definition of major depressive disorder retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/definition/con-20032977