Geriatric Mental Health Care: A Treatment Guide for Health Professionals

by Gary J. Kennedy and Gary J. Kennedy MD

Book Overview

This essential guide is designed for mental health practitioners and primary care providers without advanced training in geriatric psychiatry. Gary J. Kennedy sets forth a clear framework for understanding the interplay of medical, psychological, and social factors in frequently encountered problems among older adults. Clear guidelines are delineated for assessing and treating such conditions as depression and anxiety, dementia, psychosis and mania, sleep disturbances, personality and somatoform disorders, substance abuse, and suicidality. Throughout, the book focuses on ways to sustain seniors' independence and overall quality of life while enhancing their adaptive capacities.

Winner--American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award (2000

See also the author's Geriatric Depression: A Clinical Guide, which distills the best available interventions for depression in older adults in a highly accessible format.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1572305924
• ISBN13: 9781572305922
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: Guilford Publications
• Length: 347 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Very thorough discussion

I purchased this book as a primer in geriatric mental health care and it was the perfect choice for my needs. The author is very thorough in examining the myriad of disorders and psychosocial struggles for senior adults while presenting the information in a readable format. As a social worker preparing to add geriatric mental health to my professional practice, I believe this book provides me with the knowledge I need to best care for my clients.

A Valuable Overview

I recently started working as an LPN in long term care and I have found this to be most valuable in providing me with a basis for understanding the many types of dementia and mental illness with which my residents are struggling. I highly recommend this work to anyone working or living with an elderly person.

So very helpful

I haven't read all of it, because it covers a lot of different dementias and I didn't need to. It has helped a great deal in understanding and most importantly coping with the symptoms of my mom's Alzheimers. I refer to it often and am grateful to have it as a resource.