Principles and Practice of Geriatric Psychiatry

Many elderly patients suffer from psychiatric conditions that result from--or are made worse by--existing medical conditions. This new edition integrates clinical expertise needed to evaluate and treat psychiatric, medical and neurologic disorders in the older patient. Both scientific foundations of and clinical approaches to psychiatric disease are discussed by a range of experts who rely on evidence-based clinical guidelines and outcomes data. Most chapters include case studies that illuminate the approaches to diagnosis and treatment. The book's five sections include basic principles of evaluation and treatment for specific disorders; appendices offer further insight into pharmacotherapy and neuroanatomic foundation of psychiatric diseases.

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 12, Issue 356 -- "An outstanding book on the topic for all clinicians involved in geriatrics. It serves two important purposes by providing both a thorough introduction to the specialty of geriatric psychiatry and an approachable, clinically focused treatise on the psychiatry of geriatrics. This book steadfastly maintains its clinical focus and relevance, melding basic science, clinical research, and clinical experience. These themes are tied to vignettes of clinical cases that make it all work. The extensive range of subjects reflects the remarkable breadth of knowledge and experience of the editors and contributors. Several often-neglected issues are addressed, including developmental stages of life, the importance of the caregiver, cultural influences, and forensics. The introductory sections by themselves make the book well worth having. This text is a wonderful exposition of the general issues associated with aging and the management of psychiatric disorders in geriatrics." Psychiatric Times, 28-SEP-06 -- "This is the latest clinical textbook in the field of geriatric psychiatry. There are 102 contributing authors, many of whom are experts in their field, who join the esteemed lead authors, Marc E. Agronin and Gabe J. Maletta. Chapter 8, provides an excellent, well-referenced review of neuroimaging findings in mild cognitive impairment, mood disorders, psychosis, and in the various dementias. Len Sperry's chapter on spirituality and its role in geriatric psychiatry is an outstanding addition, highlighting an often under-addressed facet of clinical care. Chapter 18, "Ethical Issues in Geriatric Psychiatry," provides a thorough overview of capacity, informed consent, and advance directives that the practicing psychiatrist will find extremely useful. Section IV, on psychiatric disorders, is the largest part of this book and perhaps the most important for the clinician. This book's strength lies in its logical organization. Chapters are concise and easy to read. This book ably achieves its goal and is a wonderful contribution to the literature."