What do psychologists do with older adults?
Psychologists who work with older adults are frequently asked to provide consultation on aging-related issues to a variety of groups and individuals.
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.
What are the most common psychological problems in older adults?
The problems for which efficacious psychological interventions have been demonstrated in older adults include depression (Pinquart, Duberstein, & Lyness, 2007; Scogin, Welsh, Hanson, Stump, & Coates, 2005), anxiety (Ayers, Sorrell, Thorp, & Wetherell, 2007), sleep disturbance (McCurry, et al., 2007) and alcohol abuse (Blow & Barry, 2012).
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.
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.
How many common themes are there in successful aging?
Although there is not yet a consistent definition of the term "successful aging" researchers have identified seven common themes, including
Can older adults abuse drugs?
In contrast to younger adults, substance abuse in older adults may only be recognized when they
Can prescription drugs be noticeable in older adults?
Prescription drug abuse may only be noticeable in older adults when they
Does insurance cover psychiatric services?
A) family members do not feel it is necessary, a preference for medical professionals over mental health professionals, and insurance will not cover psychiatric services.
Is bipolar disorder common in late life?
A) The late-life development of bipolar disorder is relatively common .
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.
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).
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 .
Why is it so hard to recognize depression in older people?
Depression in older adults may be difficult to recognize because older people may have different symptoms than younger people. For some older adults with depression, sadness is not their main symptom. They could instead be feeling more of a numbness or a lack of interest in activities.
How does age affect medicine?
As you get older, body changes can affect the way medicines are absorbed and used. Because of these changes, there can be a larger risk of drug interactions among older adults. Share information about all medications and supplements you’re taking with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does depression look?
Signs and symptoms of depression can look different depending on the person and their cultural background. People from different cultures may express emotions, moods, and mood disorders — including depression — in different ways. In some cultures, depression may be displayed as physical symptoms, such as aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems.
What is a medical condition that causes depression?
Depressive Disorder Due to A Medical Condition – depression related to a separate illness, like heart disease or multiple sclerosis. Other forms of depression include psychotic depression, postmenopausal depression, and seasonal affective disorder.
How long do thoughts of death last?
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts. If you have several of these signs and symptoms and they last for more than two weeks, talk with your doctor. These could be signs of depression or another health condition. Don’t ignore the warning signs.
What are the risk factors for depression?
There are many things that may be risk factors of depression. For some people, changes in the brain can affect mood and result in depression. Others may experience depression after a major life event, like a medical diagnosis or a loved one’s death.
Why is it important to participate in clinical trials?
Participation in clinical trials and studies can help advance research to better diagnose, treat, and prevent depression. Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in participating in a clinical trial or study about depression. Find clinical trials on depression here.