Aging and Mental Health (Understanding Aging) [Paperback]

Michael A. Smyer (Author), Sara Honn Qualls (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 12, 1999 | ISBN-10: 1557865574 | ISBN-13: 978-1557865571 | Edition: 1

This volume provides an introduction to, and overview of, aging and mental health that will be a useful resource for psychology students taking courses in aging as well as for academics working in the field of gerontology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book contains a wealth of useful information and more than 600 references of clinical, psychological and behaviour aspects of aging and mental health." Peter H. Millard, Community Care

"The frequent use of illustrative case vignettes enlivens the text and aids the book in its goal of applying theories to the everyday problems faced in the real world."

"I found the descriptions of these {psychological} models very clear and concise, and a good example of the accessibility of this book to those with little prior knowledge of psychology and psychiatry."

"This book is a good read with an easily digestible language style. It is discursive and debating rather than didactic. It is also scholarly and well referenced."

"I have no adverse comments, and would recommend this book to all health and social care professionals who work with the elderly." Gary Cousland, Journal of Mental Health

"This book not only serves as an excellent guide to all practitioners, but also acts as a handy resource to students studying the topic of aging and mental health." Lata Satyen, Victoria University, Journal of Family Studies, April 2002<!--end-->

Review

Given today's demographics, any adult mental health practice will almost certainly include older adults. Students and practitioners will learn much from this book. The format, clarity, up to date research- informing- treatment, and use of case material are excellent.
—Erlene Rosowsky, Harvard Medical School

With the bonus addition of a full chapter devoted to ‘Anxiety, Sexual and Sleep Disorders’, the revised edition of “Aging and Mental Health” by Segal, Qualls and Smyer is a worthy sequel to their earlier volume. Loaded with the latest in scientific research and seasoned with years of clinical experience, this book only could have been authored by dyed-in-the-wool scientist practitioners steeped in the geriatric mental health care tradition. The vignettes make the facts in the text come alive, and will engage students in the mental health field to become absorbed in the basics of state-of-the-art evidence-based practice for older adults.
—Victor Molinari, University of South Florida

This book builds on the very successful first edition of Aging and Mental Health published over a decade ago, but integrates the current research literature making this book a staple for geropsychologists. The authors provide theoretical grounding in lifespan developmental psychology and several models of psychotherapy along with case examples and assessment tools for use with older adults. This balanced approach makes it an excellent choice for use as a text in advanced undergraduate and graduate courses. The compelling content and rapid growth of older adults worldwide make this book one that all mental health professionals should own.
—Karen Hooker, Oregon State University Center for Healthy Aging Research

I really like this book.  Aging and Mental Health is a readable, clinically-friendly, and research-informed volume written by people who have shaped the field of professional geropsychology.    This would be my choice for an introductory text on this topic.
—Gregory A. Hinrichsen, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

This wonderful volume provides a timely update of a trusted resource for trainees and professionals alike who wish to enter mental health practice with older adults.
—Amy Fiske, West Virginia University --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (January 12, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557865574
• ISBN-13: 978-1557865571
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,675,825 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars numerous ailments, August 21, 2008

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aging and Mental Health (Understanding Aging) (Paperback)

The authors discuss the implications of aging on a person's mental health. Many issues are raised. Some relate to diseases that become more prevalent with age. Alzheimer's gets a prominent mention in several places in the text, unsurprisingly.

But even "simple" depression can be a problem. The book uses the DSM listings of numerous mental afflictions, and explains these.

Possible treatments and therapies are mooted. Mostly to moderate the effects of particular ailments, rather than being able to cure these.