Description: The trend towards an ageing population, worldwide, presents important opportunities for individuals and challenges to society. The challenge to mental health professionals lies in the provision of services for the treatment, amelioration and prevention of psychosocial difficulties in older people, in accord with their own evolving expectations, and with the changing values and priorities of society. Psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, therapists and counsellors will be increasingly working with older people and their families, and this Handbook will be an essential resource for all these professionals. The chapters of the Handbook, by contributors from many countries, present up-to-date, relevant and accessible reviews of knowledge and best practice in the key areas of assessment, treatment and prevention of psychological problems in late life. The volume focuses particularly on an understanding of problems associated with later life development and change, including neuropsychological and cognitive difficulties arising from conditions such as the dementias. Also covered in depth are the emotional problems and depression associated with loss of physical health and with losses and changes in the areas of social relationship and personal identity. The clinical context of service delivery is important, and is considered in chapters dealing with community care, family care-giving and institutional aspects. A broad range of therapeutic orientations are discussed in detail-cognitive behavioural, psychodynamic, and family therapy approaches. Professional practitioners and academics in every area of health and social care for older people will welcome this comprehensive and authoritative handbook.

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