Progress of systematic psychological interventions in elderly patients with femoral fractures: A comprehensive review

Table 1 Common psychological treatment methods for femoral fractures

Treatment methods	Definitions and applications
Family therapy	A type of psychotherapy that focuses on the entire family rather than individual members. Unlike individual psychotherapy, it emphasizes the interactions and relationships among family members rather than the internal psychological structure of an individual. The aim of family therapy is to assist the family in eliminating abnormal or pathological conditions by improving internal communication, emotional expression, and role distribution, thereby achieving healthy family functioning[46,47]
Art therapy	A psychotherapy method that involves expressing oneself through art forms such as painting, music, dance, and drama, allowing individuals to freely associate during creation and experience, thus reaching deep-seated, inexpressible experiences. This non-verbal approach helps patients open internal channels, reduce psychological defenses, release emotions, and promote self-awareness and growth[48]. This method is suitable for patients with cognitive impairments, anxiety, depression, autism, or schizophrenia
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)	A psychotherapy method that focuses on interpersonal relationship problems. It helps patients develop new relational patterns and promote social functioning. IPT has been proven effective for various psychological disorders such as depression and is widely applied globally[49,50]. This method is primarily used for individuals with mild to moderate depression, as well as those with anxiety, personality disorders, and patients recovering from schizophrenia
Emotion-focused therapy (EFT)	A psychotherapy method that emphasizes enhancing emotional focus during treatment. It helps individuals become aware of, accept, and understand their emotional experiences. Based on the idea that emotions are fundamental to self-construction and key to self-organization, EFT aims to improve emotional awareness, regulation, and transformation to achieve effective treatment outcomes[51,52]. This method is mainly applicable to patients experiencing emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, and anger management
Relaxation training therapy	An effective psychotherapy technique that trains individuals to consciously control psychological and physiological activities to reduce arousal levels and improve disordered functions. This therapy includes methods such as breathing relaxation, muscle relaxation, and imagery relaxation, aiming to help individuals achieve a state of physical and mental relaxation[53]. This method is primarily used for patients with anxiety disorders, individuals with autism, and elderly patients under significant psychological stress