ABSTRACT

Awarded the book prize for 2012 by the Australasian Journal on Ageing!

Even when he’s grey around the muzzle, the black dog of depression can still deliver a ferocious bite. Depression can strike at any age, and it may appear for the first time as we get older, as a result of life circumstances or our genetic makeup. While older people face the same kinds of mental health issues as younger people, they can find it more difficult to deal with them owing to the stressors which accumulate with age. There is also a high incidence of undiagnosed depression in older age, presenting extra challenges for carers.

Managing Depression Growing Older offers a systematic guide to identifying depression in older people, supporting them at home or in an aged care setting, and the importance of diet, exercise and attitude in recovery. It is essential reading for anyone who works with the elderly.

chapter 1|15 pages

And now we are 65

chapter 2|25 pages

On Growing Older

chapter 3|22 pages

Untreated Depression in Older Age

chapter 4|29 pages

Reaching a Diagnosis

chapter 5|18 pages

A Structured Assessment for Depression

chapter 6|36 pages

Melancholic and Non-Melancholic Depression

chapter 7|18 pages

Late Onset: Depression Specific to Ageing

chapter 8|26 pages

Therapies and the Role of the Therapist

chapter 9|16 pages

Ageing and Coping with Care

chapter 10|25 pages

Managing Severe Depression

chapter 11|13 pages

Ageing and Self-Efficacy

chapter 12|21 pages

Caring for the Carers