Main description:

Illustrated with abundant clinical material, this book provides essential knowledge and skills for effective mental health practice with older adults. It demonstrates how to evaluate and treat frequently encountered clinical problems in this population, including dementias, mood and anxiety disorders, and paranoid symptoms. Strategies are presented for implementing psychosocial interventions and integrating them with medications. The book also describes insightful approaches for supporting family caregivers and addresses the nuts and bolts of consulting in institutional settings. Combining their expertise as a researcher and an experienced clinician, the authors offer a unique perspective on the challenges facing older adults and how to help them lead more fulfilling and independent lives. Three reproducible forms can also be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2 x 11 size.

Contents:

1. Introduction: Clinical Practice with Older Adults 2. Normal Processes of Aging 3. Disorders of Aging: Dementia, Delirium, and Other Cognitive Problems 4. Mood and Anxiety Disorders 5. Other Common Mental Health Problems in Later Life 6. The Clinical Interview 7. Psychological Testing for Differential Diagnosis and Capacity Evaluations 8. Foundations of Treatment 9. Treatment of Depression 10. Treatment of Anxiety Symptoms 11. Treatment of Paranoid Symptoms 12. Treatment of Dementia 13. Family Caregiving 14. Consultation in Institutional Settings 15. Ethical Issues in Geriatric Psychology