Exploring the causes, manifestations, and consequences of late-life depression, this reference examines treatments and approaches for the management of this condition, highlighting methods for the recognition of depression in the medically ill, clinically demented, and bereaved, as well as for assessment of the efficacy of these treatment.

The geriatric population, defined as men and women 65 years and older, is the fastest growing population in the world. While gerontology, the study of the aging process in human beings, has brought insights about the physical, emotional, and social needs of this population, little attention has been given to the mental health of the aging, and often treatable disorders are overlooked entirely. Depression is one of the leading mental disorders in any age group, but among the elderly it is often viewed as a normal part of aging. But it’s not. Depression at any age requires attention and treatment. For sufferers and their families and caregivers, this go-to guide introduces readers to depression among the aging and elderly. It looks at both sufferers who’ve been diagnosed in their younger years as well as those with a new diagnosis, and reviews the symptoms, the diagnostic process, treatment options including alternative and holistic approaches, and long term care for those experiencing mild, moderate, or severe depression. With real stories throughout, the book illustrates the many forms depression can take, and Serani offers a compassionate voice alongside practical advice for sufferers, caregivers, and families. An extensive resource section rounds out the book. Anyone suffering from depression in later life, and anyone who cares for someone suffering, will want to read this important guide to living well with depression in the golden years.

The literature on depression in old age has tended to be dominated by the medical model with its focus on symptoms and treatment. This report breaks new ground by adopting a psycho-social approach - one that explores depression in the context of the everyday lives of older people. Commissioned by Help the Aged, the report reviews the nature and scope of the evidence base around depression and older people; evaluates current policy and practice responses and identifies gaps in the evidence base and areas for further work. Depression and older people is invaluable reading for anyone involved in the management and delivery of services to older people, as well as academics, students and researchers in the field. It will also be of interest to older people themselves.

This accessible and authoritative book provides an invaluable guide to identifying, treating and preventing depression in later life. Jill Manthorpe and Steve Iliffe take a multidisciplinary approach and employ both medical and psycho-social models of depression. The medical model is used to identify symptoms, make diagnoses and work towards optimal treatment. Psycho-social perspectives provide insight into the scale and complexity of the condition and point to its social causes. The authors identify different levels of depression through in-depth analysis and consider the condition in relation to, but distinct from, dementia, psychosis and anxiety disorders, helping professionals to make the correct diagnosis. Supporting case studies show that depression, and the physical symptoms often linked to it, are amenable to treatment. The authors provide practical guidance for health and social care practitioners and suggest numerous coping strategies. This comprehensive book is essential reading for health and social care practitioners working with older people, their carers and families.

Part of the 'Oxford Psychiatry Library' series, this concise pocket book provides an accessible account of how depression in older people presents, why it is important, and what treatments help.

Depression affects between 10-15% of older people, making it the most frequently encountered mental health condition in later life. Despite this, the condition is easily missed in clinical practice or not adequately treated. Part of the Oxford Psychiatry Library, this concise pocketbook will provide an accessible account of what depression in older people is like, why it is important and what treatments help. The text will highlight which areas of depression are of special relevance to later life, how to diagnose depression in an older person, the overlap with dementia and various other physical illnesses, and important pharmacological considerations.

Physical problems and emotional stresses, such as bereavement, health conditions, pain, concerns about the future, side effects of medications, and the accumulated effects of lifestyle choices, may lead to depression or anxiety in older people. However, as Drs. Mark D. Miller and Charles F. Reynolds III know, these mental disorders are not a natural or an inevitable part of aging. In Depression and Anxiety in Later Life, these psychiatrists show how depression and anxiety can be avoided or minimized by adapting to changing circumstances while controlling risk factors and getting help when it's needed. This reassuring book balances discussions of the causes, symptoms, and treatments of mental illness with descriptions of successful adaptive aging. Case studies illustrate the less obvious depression symptoms of irritability, disorganization, and social withdrawal. Readers will find information about memory loss, pain, sleep, nutrition, and end-of-life issues particularly helpful. Aging can be challenging, but it doesn’t always lead to depression or anxiety. Depression and Anxiety in Later Life will help older people, their family members, and caregivers make positive changes to take control of their own individual situations.

Depression is a leading mental health concern in aging individuals. Written to be used in collaboration with a qualified mental health professional, Treating Later-Life Depression: Workbook is designed to address and alleviate depression and related concerns (chronic pain, sleep problems, anxiety, brain health, family caregiving and grief) in middle-aged and older adults. This practical Workbook, along with its companion Clinician Guide, reflects the latest scientific and clinical advances in cognitive-behavioral therapy for age-related problems, in individual, group, and telehealth formats. Along with learning how to re-engage in a meaningful daily life, individuals will build skills using personalized change strategies such as problem solving, relaxation training, self-compassion, reframing unhelpful thoughts and effective communication practices, among others. The Workbook closes with resources to support middle-aged and older adults' ongoing efforts at achieving and maintaining a greater sense of wellbeing.

This multi-disciplinary and multi-occupational work, contains newly commissioned material and previously unpublished articles on mental health disorders that afflict the aged. Written to promote an awareness of the nature of mental health disorders found in older people, it also discusses the pros and cons of current community health policies.