What disorders and problems can problem-solving therapy treat?

While PST was originally developed for depression, research over the past few decades shows it can be adapted to help with a range of mental health disorders and life problems.

That’s notably true when those issues involve feeling stuck, weighed down, or helpless.

1. Major depressive disorder (MDD)

• • This is the original primary use.

• • PST is especially effective for mild to moderate depression.

2. Dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder)

• • Because it focuses on building daily coping skills, PST can help with the chronic, lower-grade sadness of dysthymia.

3. Anxiety disorders
   

• • Studies suggest PST can ease symptoms of anxiety, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), by improving perceived control and problem-focused coping.

4. Post-stroke depression

• • Stroke survivors often develop depression due to disability and life changes. PST has been proven highly effective here.

5. Caregiver stress and depression

• • Caregivers benefit from PST because it helps manage the overwhelming demands of caregiving.

6. Adjustment disorders

• • When people struggle emotionally after major life changes, such as job loss and illness diagnosis, PST provides structure and coping strategies.

7. Chronic illness-related depression

• • PST has been used effectively with people facing illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, where depression is often secondary to coping with a serious health problem.

Life problems PST can address:

8. Relationship conflicts
   

• • PST can assist in developing better conflict resolution and communication strategies.

9. Workplace stress

• • PST teaches strategic thinking to navigate work difficulties such as job loss, difficult coworkers, and burnout.

10. Financial difficulties

• • PST aims at breaking down large, seemingly insurmountable issues into small, solvable steps.

11. Parenting challenges

• • PST aids parents in developing solutions to daily parenting stressors.

This can be very helpful when raising children with behavioral issues.

12. Life transitions
    

• • PST is helpful during big life changes when uncertainty spikes, like moving, retirement, becoming a parent, or graduating.

13. Problematic decision-making patterns

• • People who tend to avoid, procrastinate, or panic when making decisions can benefit from PST’s structured approach.

Where PST might not be enough on its own:

• Severe depression with psychotic features.

• Bipolar disorder (especially manic phases).

• Complex PTSD or deep trauma (where trauma-focused therapies like EMDR or prolonged exposure are more appropriate).

• Severe cognitive impairments (like late-stage dementia, unless highly adapted).

PST can still be useful in these cases, but it’s typically combined with other treatments like medication, trauma therapy, or intensive case management.

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