OLDER ADULTS AND MENTAL HEALTH

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based on chapter five of a publication by the Surgeon General's office entitled; Mental Health: A report by the Surgeon General. The report is also on the SAMSHA website. Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General Table of Contents. This is a detailed article that first reviews normal developmental milestones of aging, then considers mental disorders in older people; their diagnosis and treatment. Finally, the chapter reviews the supports for older persons that extend beyond traditional, formal treatment settings. This publication provides excellent information for the mental health professional, especially for those clinicians who work with older adults and provides the practitioner with a great deal of much needed information. The course is targeted for beginning, intermediate and advanced practitioners. Learning Objectives: This course will provide a professional with an overview of older adults and mental health. Specifically, a professional will: Identify the normal developmental milestones of aging Describe mental disorders in older people: including their diagnosis and treatment Identify the supports for older persons that extend beyond traditional treatment settings Citation: Surgeon General. Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. Chapter 5 Older Adults and Mental Health. Bethesda (MD): US Department of Health and Human Services