Abstract
The elderly population in Western countries is growing at an unprecedented rate, and a proportionate increase in the geropsychiatric inpatient population is expected during the next 30 years. The basic principles of treatment for the problems that this group faces are essentially the same as those for young adults. However, there are several important considerations unique to the elderly. Medical problems, for example, frequently complicate the diagnostic picture, and complex medication regimens may obscure or exacerbate symptom profiles. Cognitive impairment may hinder assessment (e. g., limit knowledge of the patient’s personal history), and treatment may be impeded by the reduced behavioral repertoires associated with physical impairment or limited working memory.
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Fisher, J.E., Noll, J.P., Carstensen, L.L., Turk, S.E. (1993). Geriatric Patients. In: Bellack, A.S., Hersen, M. (eds) Handbook of Behavior Therapy in the Psychiatric Setting. Critical Issues in Psychiatry. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2430-8_18
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