Do psychologists prescribe medications to older adults with mental disorders?
Many older adults with mental disorders who are seen for assessment or treatment by psychologists are prescribed psychotropic medications (Olfson & Marcus, 2009; Mojtabai & Olfson, 2008).
Where do older adults with mental health problems seek help?
The vast majority of older adults with mental health problems seek help from primary medical care settings, rather than in specialty mental health facilities (Areán, et al., 2005; Gum, et al., 2006). Older adults often have concurrent health and mental health problems.
Can a psychologist specialize in the care of older adults?
The guidelines also recognize that some psychologists will specialize in the provision of services to older adults, and may therefore seek more extensive training consistent with practicing within the formally recognized specialty of Professional Geropsychology (APA, 2010b).
What are the guidelines for psychological practice with older adults?
The “Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Older Adults” are intended to assist psychologists in evaluating their own readiness for working with older adults, and in seeking and using appropriate education and training to increase their knowledge, skills and experience relevant to this area of practice.
How do elderly treat mental illness?
Here's how you can care for elderly parents with mental health issues:Have a Conversation. ... Schedule a Doctor's Visit. ... Ensure Effective Communication. ... Gather As Much Information about the Illness as Possible. ... Ensure They Take Their Medications as Prescribed. ... Complete the Necessary Paperwork. ... Give Them Some Level of Control.More items...•
What is the most common psychological problem facing older adults?
The Significance of Depression Depression, a type of mood disorder, is the most prevalent mental health problem among older adults.
What are the psychological concern of an elderly?
Mental health problems are common among seniors and may include isolation, affective and anxiety disorders, dementia, and psychosis, among others. Many seniors also suffer from sleep and behavioral disorders, cognitive deterioration or confusion states as a result of physical disorders or surgical interventions.
Which of the following is the most common treatment for depression in old age?
Treatment of geriatric depression Typical treatment involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Medications used to treat depression include: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
What is the most common psychiatric disorder after age 65?
The most common psychiatric disorder among the elderly is severe cognitive impairment or dementia. About five million adults age 65 and older — approximately 10% of seniors — have Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
What is the role of psychologist in relation to elderly patients?
Clinical Psychologists experienced in psychological intervention for the elderly are able to consider the factors faced by the elderly and provide adequate intervention. A comprehensive clinical assessment provides the opportunity to identify symptoms of anxiety, depression, and early signs of dementia.
Which area of psychology focuses on the mental health of the elderly?
Developmental psychologyDevelopmental psychology focuses on the psychological changes of the human mind throughout the life span. Developmental psychologists study infants, the elderly, and every age in between.
What is psychological Ageing?
Description. Psychological age is how old one feels, acts, and behaves, and is thus not necessarily equal to chronological age, which is age since birth [1]. A person can therefore have a psychological age that exceeds their chronological age if they are mature or at least feel older than they really are.
Which of the following is one of the most common anxiety disorders for older adults?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is the most common type of anxiety disorder diagnosed in older adults. This is followed by phobias, panic disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
How does depression affect older adults?
In older people, depression often goes along with other medical illnesses and disabilities and lasts longer. Depression in older adults is tied to a higher risk of cardiac diseases and of death from illness. At the same time, depression reduces an older person's ability to rehabilitate.
Why do psychologists work with older adults?
Training in professional psychology provides general skills that can be applied for the potential benefit of older adults. Many adults have presenting issues similar to those of other ages and generally respond to the repertoire of skills and techniques possessed by all professional psychologists. For example, psychologists are often called upon to evaluate and/or assist older adults with life stress or crisis (Brown, Gibson, & Elmore, 2012) and adaptation to late life issues (e.g., chronic medical problems affecting daily functioning; Qualls & Benight, 2007). Psychologists play an equally important role facilitating the maintenance of healthy functioning, accomplishment of new life-cycle developmental tasks, and/or achievement of positive psychological growth in the later years (King & Wynne, 2004). Given some commonalities across age groups, considerably more psychologists may want to work with older adults, as many of their already existing skills can be effective with these clients (Molinari, et al., 2003).
Why is it important for a psychologist to examine their attitudes towards aging and older adults?
Psychologists are encouraged to develop more realistic perceptions of the capabilities and strengths, as well as vulnerabilities of this segment of the population. To reduce biases that can impede their work with older adults, it is important for psychologists to examine their attitudes towards aging and older adults and (since some biases may constitute “blind spots”) to seek consultation from colleagues or others, preferably those experienced in working with older adults.
What are the factors that affect the clinical work of an older adult?
Clinical work with older adults may involve a complex interplay of factors, including developmental issues specific to late life, cohort (generational) perspectives and beliefs (e.g., family obligations, perceptions of mental disorders), comorbid physical illnesses, the potential for and effects of polypharmacy, cognitive or sensory impairments, and history of medical or mental disorders (Arnold, 2008; Knight & Sayegh, 2010; Robb, Haley, Becker, Polivka, & Chwa, 2003; Segal, Coolidge, Mincic, & O’Riley, 2005). The potential interaction of these factors makes the field highly challenging, and calls for psychologists to skillfully apply psychological knowledge and methods. Education and training in the biopsychosocial processes of aging along with an appreciation for and understanding of cohort factors can help ascertain the nature of the older adult’s clinical issues. Additionally, consideration of the client’s age, gender, cultural background, degree of health literacy, prior experience with mental health providers, resiliencies, and usual means of coping with life problems inform interventions (Wolf, Gazmararian, & Baker, 2005). Thus, psychologists working with older adults can benefit from specific preparation for clinical work with this population.
Why are older men more likely to be in control?
Older men may have an experience of aging that is different from women (Vacha-Haase, Wester, & Christianson, 2010). For example, due to social norms prevalent during their youth, some men may want to appear “strong” and “in control” and as older adults they may struggle as they encounter situations (e.g., forced retirement from work, declining health, death of a loved one) where control seems to elude them. Further, an older man’s military service and combat experience may be relevant to his overall well-being, as well as have a negative impact on health-related changes with age (Wilmoth, London, & Parker, 2010). These issues have practice implications, as older men may be less willing to seek help for mental health challenges (Mackenzie, Gekoski, & Knox, 2006), and more reluctant to participate in treatment. Therefore, awareness of issues germane both to older women (Trotman & Brody, 2002) and men (Vacha-Haase, et al., 2010) enhances the process of assessing and treating them.
What are professional practice guidelines?
Professional practice guidelines essentially involve recommendations to professionals regarding their conduct and the issues to be considered in particular areas of psychological practice. Professional practice guidelines are consistent with current APA policy. It is also important to note that professional practice guidelines are superseded by federal and state law and must be consistent with the current APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (APA, 2002a; 2010a). These guidelines were developed for use in the United States, but may be appropriate for adaptation in other countries.
How do stereotypes affect older adults?
Negative stereotypes can become self-fulfilling prophecies and adversely affect health care providers’ attitudes and behaviors toward older adult clients. For example, stereotypes can lead health care providers to misdiagnose disorders (Mohlman, Sirota, Papp, Staples, King, & Gorenstein, 2011), inappropriately lower their expectations for the improvement of older adult clients (so-called “therapeutic nihilism”; Lamberty & Bares, 2013), and delay preventive actions and treatment (Levy & Myers, 2004). Providers may also misattribute older adults’ report of treatable depressive symptoms (e.g., lethargy, decreased appetite, anhedonia) to aspects of normative aging. Some psychologists unfamiliar with facts about aging may assume that older adults are too old to change (Ivey, et al., 2000; Kane, 2004) or are less likely than younger adults to benefit from psychosocial therapies (Gatz & Pearson, 1988). What may seem like discriminatory behavior by some health providers toward older adults may be more a function of lack of familiarity with aging issues than discrimination based solely on age (James & Haley, 1995). For example, many psychologists still believe that with aging, those with schizophrenia do not show symptom improvement. However, research on older adults with schizophrenia reveals that positive symptoms of schizophrenia do abate with age (Harvey, Reichenberg, & Bowie, 2006).
What are the guidelines for psychotherapy for older adults?
The “Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Older Adults” are intended to assist psychologists in evaluating their own readiness for working with older adults, and in seeking and using appropriate education and training to increase their knowledge, skills and experience relevant to this area of practice .
What does a therapist seek to determine?
d. Therapists will seek to determine the underlying issues that have created the problem.
What are the predictors of treatment success?
Similarity of age, background, and culture between the client and the therapist are the primary predictors of treatment success. a. The ability of the client and therapist to be successful in achieving a productive working alliance is important for effective therapy.
Why was Jennifer referred to therapy?
b. Jennifer, who was referred by the court to undergo therapy because of a drunk driving charge.
Is a syringe ineffective in treating severe mental disorders?
a. It is ineffective in treating severe mental disorders.
Is therapy more likely to lead to a quick fix?
a. Therapy takes time, while a friend’s guidance is more likely to lead to a “quick fix” of the problem.
Which is better, a case diagnosed earlier or later?
Cases diagnosed earlier tend to respond better to treatment.
When do people with APD mellow out?
After age 40, people with APD who do not have psychopathic traits tend to mellow, but psychopaths do not show the same improvement.
How many patients can expect to be successful with a syringe?
A review of 50 studies suggests that no more than about 1 in 7 patients can expect that degree of success.
Why does long term use change dopamine receptors?
Long-term use changes dopamine receptors so that antipsychotic medication becomes less effective.
Do anxiolytics work?
In the short term at least, anxiolytics work reasonably well. But they do little to alleviate the underlying causes of anxiety
Why does Nancy feel anxious?
Nancy's fear of germ contamination causes her to feel overwhelming anxiety. She has found that when she repeatedly washes her hands, these feelings lessen. Which learning principle best explains why Nancy engages in this compulsive behavior?
Is a gold medalist disordered?
While Olympic gold medalists deviate from the norm in their physical abilities, their behaviors are not classified as disordered. Which of the following best explains why this is the case?
Is psychological disorder culture bound?
Although some psychological disorders are culture-bound, others are universal. For example, in every known culture some people suffer from
Does handedness change with personality?
Researchers have found that handedness sometimes switches with personality changes. This suggests that dissociative identity disorder may
What is the best medication for bulimia nervosa?
Antidepressants have some effectiveness in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. c. Benzodiazepine medications have some effectiveness in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. d. Antipsychotic medications have been found to be effective for the treatment of bulimia nervosa.
How many people with bulimia have anxiety?
c. Over 80% of people with bulimia had an anxiety disorder at some point during their lives.
