unit 10 discussion

Psychotherapy with Older Adults

Although mental illness is not a normal part of aging, at least 20% of older adults have one or more mental health or substance use conditions. Mental disorders include those that emerge in later life such as dementia and geriatric depression, as well as serious mental illness that has been experienced over a lifetime.

This discussion provides an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the needs of older adults with psychiatric mental health conditions by addressing the following:

1. Describe general characteristics, assessment tools, treatment goals, and psychotherapy considerations for the following late-life psychiatric disorders: mood disorders, anxiety, schizophrenia, and dementia.