Essentials of Geriatric Psychiatry

The Essentials of Geriatric Psychiatry presents the essence of The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Geriatric Psychiatry, Third Edition, covering not only a wide range of important mental diseases of the elderly but also the so-called normal age changes that result in biological, social, and behavioral changes in older adults.

Essentials of Geriatric Psychiatry reviews the knowledge that has transformed the practice of geriatric psychiatry. It is authored by both basic and clinical scholarsnot only psychiatrists, but also contributors from relevant biomedical and behavioral disciplineswho make the sometimes complex material understandable. Its coverage maintains an eclectic orientation regarding theory and practice, beginning with demography and epidemiology of late-life disorders and physiological considerations of patient care, then continuing with all of the parent text's chapters on diagnostic interviewsincluding chapters on laboratory tests and the neuropsychological assessment of dementia. Subsequent chapters address ten of the most prominent psychiatric disorders of the elderly and include recent insights into such matters as understanding the parameters of late-life depression and treating the seven recognized somatoform disorders. Each chapter ends with multiple-choice questions for self-assessment. Among the other topics considered are:

? Differential diagnostic problems in distinguishing dementia from delirium or depression and in identifying specific dementia disorders? Insights on treating late-onset schizophrenia and identifying psychotic symptoms arising secondary to the dementia of Alzheimer's disease? In-depth review of late-life bereavement, reflecting a wealth of recent research regarding intense and/or complicated grief? Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbancesincluding sleep apneaand treatment of insomnia? Physical consequences of alcoholism in later life, with consideration of interactions between alcohol use and chronic or periodic illness in elderly patients? Approaches to agitation and suspiciousness, with the presentation of nonpharmacological guidelines to helping families deal with these problems in older relatives

The final four chapters are devoted to treatment and summarize current psychopharmacology, advances in psychotherapy, working with families, and providing care in the nursing home. Together, these contributions constitute an essential source for psychiatrists and other health professionals committed to the care of older adults and for those seeking board certification in geriatrics.