Depression And Anxiety Disorders In Older Adults: Clinical Implications For Occupational Therapy

Course overview

Depression is the most prevalent mental health disorder among older adults. Depression and anxiety affect an older adult¿s performance patterns related to habits, routines, rituals, and roles, as well as ADLs and IADLs, rest and sleep, formal and informal education, work, play, leisure, and social participation. This basic-level course provides current information on depression and anxiety disorders among older adults, including their types and causes, and their ramifications for occupational performance and treatment strategies. Screening tools and evidence-based treatment interventions are discussed. A case study further elucidates the role occupational therapy practitioners can play in the detection and treatment of depression and anxiety in older adults.