Mental Health and the Elderly: A Social Work Perspective

The increasing proportion of elderly people in society is a great challenge to social services. This work examines the psychological disorders to which the elderly are prone, providing a comprehensive guide to diagnosis and treatment. Specialists in the field each examine a disorder from a social work perspective, integrating the biological, psychological and social dimensions of the problem. Cases histories are included in each chapter, and there is advice on how social workers can co-operate with families to provide suitable treatment. Topics covered include Alzheimer's disease, depressive disorders, anxiety atates, alcohol addiction, suicide, schizophrenia, paranoia, autism and phobias.