Clinical Topics in Old Age Psychiatry

Written primarily for old age psychiatrists and trainees, but also relevant to other health and social care workers, this book focuses on important current topics in old age psychiatry. It offers information about a variety of disorders, and covers assessment and treatment, as well as legal, ethical, and philosophical issues.

This book updates articles previously published in BJPsych Advances to compile a current review of noteworthy subjects in old age psychiatry. It opens with epidemiology, then offers information and advice about a variety of disorders, including rare and unusual dementias. It considers assessment, from cognitive testing and the use of neuroimaging, to newer issues around biomarkers. Turning to treatment and management, the book provides readers with up-to-date evidence-based guidance on common situations that clinicians face, from home assessments to giving advice about driving. It refreshingly discusses self-management and the notion of recovery; it reviews the literature on psychosocial interventions and palliative care; and it tackles delirium and depression. The final chapters explore related legal, ethical, and philosophical issues. Written for old age psychiatrists and trainees, but also relevant to other health and social care workers, this text shows the excitement of old age psychiatry – its importance, breadth, and depth.