Psykiske lidelser i eldre år

Abstract

Nordhus, I.H. & Høstmark Nielsen, G. (2005). Mental disorders in old age: Clinical syndromes, prevalence and benefits of psychological treatment. Nordisk Psykologi, 57, 1, 86–103.

Most elderly persons do not need mental health services. Despite the many challenges in late life, older people cope quite well. Further, a minority of older people have diagnosable psychiatric disorders, although it should be noted that older people, in particular, may suffer from psychiatric disorders that are not adequately diagnosed. Rates of most psychiatric disorders are lower in persons 60 years and above, compared with younger adults. Disorders that are the most frequent focus of mental health care in older adults include depression and anxiety disorders, loss of mental abilities (e.g., dementia), and adjustment disorders. Although the problems that older people confront are as varied and complex as older people themselves, there are several issues that is most commonly the focus of psychotherapeutic interventions. These problems often reflect physical health problems and medical conditions, coming to terms with the death of significant others, and relationship issues. In clinical practice, as well as research, it is firmly demonstrated that older people suffering from psychiatric disorders benefit from treatment based on established psychological intervention principles and models.