Award-winning psychologist revolutionizes therapy in old age!

Award-winning psychologist revolutionizes therapy in old age!

On April 2, 2025, Prof. Dr. Eva-Marie Kessler awarded the renowned DGVT Prize 2025. She received this honor for her outstanding contributions to behavioral therapy and psychotherapeutic care in older people. The award ceremony took place as part of the 33rd DGVT Congress at the Technical University of Berlin. Prof. Dr. Simon Forstmeier, who praised her achievements in his laudatory speech, emphasized the central role that Kessler plays in improving mental health in old age. Prof. Kessler's psycho-gerontopsychological expertise is undisputed; She has published over 50 scientific publications and 20 book chapters as first or senior author.

In 2019 she founded the first teaching and research outpatient clinic for psychotherapy in old age at the MSB Medical School Berlin. This facility is a pioneer in the development of innovative therapeutic approaches and testing new treatment methods for older people. Under her leadership, various studies are being carried out, including “PSY-CARE”, which examines the effectiveness of outreach psychotherapy for older people in need of care. This study is funded by the Innovation Fund. In addition, the “VISION-AGE” study will soon start, which will examine the effectiveness of group psychotherapy in video conference format for older people. This initiative is supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Focus on mental health in old age

Prof. Kessler's commitment goes beyond her research. She is active in promoting social acceptance of mental health in old age and is a member of important committees. Her services were also recognized by Monika Bormann, member of the executive board of the DGVT. In addition to Prof. Kessler, Prof. Dr. Michael Borg-Laufs, who was honored for his work in child and adolescent psychotherapy, and Dr. Hannah Klusmann, who received the DGVT sponsorship award for her dissertation, recognition.

The DGVT awards prizes every two years to promote science and research in the fields of psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. The DGVT prize is worth 2,500 euros, while the DGVT funding prize is worth 1,500 euros. These awards are intended to recognize the importance and progress in psychotherapeutic care, particularly for vulnerable groups such as older people.

Geriatric psychiatric challenges

Geriatric psychiatry, also known as geriatric psychiatry, is playing an increasingly important role in view of demographic changes in society. Older people have a different spectrum of mental illnesses, often characterized by multimorbidity. It is known that seniors often suffer from multiple illnesses. Typical disorders include depression, sleep disorders, addictions and forms of dementia such as Alzheimer's. This makes a differentiated approach to diagnosis and treatment essential.

The challenge of detecting such mental disorders early and treating them effectively is being addressed by research groups such as the working group at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). This examines clinical gerontopsychology and aims to improve the understanding and options for treating mental disorders in old age. Projects like the “ElderBot,” an AI-based chatbot to reduce loneliness among older people, are part of these efforts. In fact, up to 25% of older people in Germany report loneliness, a problem compounded by social isolation and stigma.

Against this background, measures such as Metacognitive Training Silver (MKT-Silver), which was developed specifically for older people with depression, are becoming increasingly important. Initial studies are already showing promising results, and low-threshold offers to promote psychological well-being - such as the MKT-Silver BeWell programs in Hamburg - are also receiving increasing attention.

Geriatric psychiatry faces challenges that can arise when treating older patients, such as social isolation and physical limitations. Nevertheless, the accurate diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses remains crucial, even at this age, in order to improve the quality of life of those affected and to contribute to mental health in old age.