Mental Disorders in Older Adults: Fundamentals of Assessment and Treatment

This volume presents the foundational knowledge and skills that mental health practitioners need to meet the growing needs of our aging population. Thorough coverage is provided of normal aging processes and their effects on intellectual functioning, memory, personality, and other areas. Common psychological problems are discussed, and a comprehensive framework for evaluation and treatment is delineated. Outlining helpful concepts and approaches to guide psychotherapeutic work with this population, the book describes ways to coordinate psychological interventions with psychiatric treatment and supportive services. A special section is devoted to working with families on alleviating caregiver stress, simplifying the senior's living environment, and weighing difficult decisions about the level of assistance a loved one may need. Other topics covered include working as a consultant in nursing homes and dealing with ethical questions around confidentiality and end-of-life issues. An essential resource for clinicians, this book also serves as a text for courses in psychology and aging, gerontology, and geriatric psychology.