Books, Articles and Research
Art therapy: Using the creative process for healing and hope among African American older adults
This article provides an introduction to the field of art therapy and the potential it can offer to address the emotional needs of the frail elderly. Two case studies are discussed, and examples of artwork are provided.
The effect of healing gardens and art therapy on older adults with mild to moderate depression.
This study evaluated the effect of garden walks alone, garden walks with guided imagery, and art therapy on mild to moderate depression in older adults. Focus group interviews at the end of the 6-week intervention suggest that all 3 interventions were helpful to participants with mild to moderate depression.
Reducing stigma and discrimination against older people with mental disorders: A technical consensus statement
This technical consensus statement is jointly produced by the Old Age Psychiatry section of the World Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization, and other non-governmental organizations. It is intended to be a tool for (i) promoting debate at all levels on the stigmatisation of older people with mental disorders; (ii) outlining the nature, causes and consequences of this stigmatisation; and (iii) promoting and suggesting policies, programmes and actions to combat this stigmatisation.
Growing older: The lived experience of older persons with serious mental illness
The purpose of this qualitative paper is to describe, from the consumers perspective, the complex factors involved as persons with serious mental illness grow older in the community.
Mental healthcare for rural seniors. An outreach program in Cedar Rapids, IA, uses an integrated approach to break down barriers to care
Article discussing the Abbe Center for Community Mental Health in the Cedar Rapids, IA, and the work that the Center does in breaking down some of the barriers to mental health services for older adults in rural communities.
Beliefs about mental illness and willingness to seek help: A cross-sectional study
Evidence indicates that older adults underutilize mental health services, but little is known empirically about the perceptions older adults have about mental illnesses and their attitudes about seeking professional help for psychological problems. The present study examined beliefs about mental illnesses and willingness to seek professional help among younger and older persons.
Stigma and ageism: Compounding influences in making an accurate mental health assessment
This paper defines stigma and ageism and their potential and actual influences on assessment and interventions for elderly persons with mental illnesses. Strategies for overcoming the impact of stigma and ageism are presented to assist healthcare providers to advocate for geropsychiatric clients.
Community integration for older adults with mental illnesses: Overcoming barriers and seizing opportunities
This report is the third in a series of reports prepared by the National and Statewide Coalitions to Promote Community-Based Care under Olmstead project. It is designed to help State and local Olmstead coalitions understand the barriers that older adults face and learn about the innovative solutions being adopted and adapted across the country.
Chapter 5 of "Mental health: A report of the Surgeon General": Older adults and mental health
This chapter of the Surgeon General's report on mental health addresses various areas of interest for the older adult population, specifically considering mental disorders in older people - their diagnosis and treatment, and the various risk factors that may complicate the course or outcome of treatment.
Psychological and mental illness among elder immigrants from the former Soviet Union
The study examined the cultural context of psychological illness among elder immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU).
The Stigma Receptivity Scale and its association with mental health service use among bereaved older adults
The purpose of this article was to determine whether the Stigma Receptivity Scale (SRS) predicts use of mental health services among community-dwelling bereaved older adults.
Clergy's role in reducing stigma: A bi-lingual study of elder patients' views
This study examined whether elderly psychiatric outpatients experience stigma in the context of interacting with their clergy and religious communities, and to identify possible interventions both to reduce such stigma and increase social support.
Stigmatization in Alzheimer's disease research on African American elders
Stigmatization in research sustains the spread of the silent epidemic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in African American populations. Researchers use stereotypes and inappropriate assumptions to select a paradigm to examine the symptoms of AD. This paradigm fails to encompass the symptoms as manifested by African American elders. Yet, stigmatization can be minimized by recognizing the genetic heterogeneity of the symptoms within the general population, especially those manifested by African American elders. Thus, researchers can utilize pioneering genetic analyses to identify other paradigms critical in the assessment and proactive treatment of the symptoms of AD needed for this vulnerable population.
2004 APA Achievement Awards: silver and bronze achievement awards
This short article highlights the Senior Outreach Program of the New York Service Program for Older People, Inc. (SPOP), a program that improves quality of life and the delivery of comprehensive mental heath services and treatment to older adults. The article reviews the program's genesis, the model it follows, and the outcomes it has acheived to date.
Adherence to antidepressant medications in Black and Latino elderly patients
The purpose of this pilot study was to identify ethnic group differences in nonadherence and to determine predictors of nonadherence to antidepressant medications in older minority-group members.
Complementary spiritual beliefs in the Latino community: The interface with psychotherapy
This article is intended to help non-Latino mental health practitioners develop a level of understanding and respect for other spiritual traditions, as well as achieve the adjustment of clinical techniques necessary for better cultural responsiveness to patients who hold such beliefs.
Health concept of older Hispanic immigrants
The purpose of this study was to explore the health concept of older Hispanic immigrants. In tape-recorded home interviews, 54 respondents were asked to define health, describe the characteristics of a healthy older person, identify what contributes to good health, and report what they did to maintain their health.
The Treatment Initiation program: An intervention to improve depression outcomes in older adults
This pilot study tests the usefulness of the Treatment Initiation Program (TIP) to improve depression in older adults. The TIP is an individualized, early intervention to address older adults? attitudes (e.g., perceived need for care and stigma) about depression and treatment.
The role of stigma in the quality of life of older adults with severe mental illness
This study was conducted to investigate whether stigmatisation of older adults with mental disorders is associated with the type of residential institution they live in or the type of disorder they suffer. It also assesses the role of stigma experiences in their quality of life.
Stigma, racism, or choice. Why do depressed ethnic elders avoid psychiatrists?
This study explored and compared the views of White British (WB) and Black African-Caribbean (BC) older people on depression as an illness, avenues of help and the place of mental health services.
American with Disabilities Act of 1990
The current text of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [?ADA?], as amended.
Overlooked and underserved: Elders in need of mental health care
A brief article providing information on the needs of the elder community.
The rights of older adults to mental health care: What are the implications of the Olmstead decision?
A presentation which illustrates the barriers to treatment for older Americans.
Perceived stigma as a predictor of treatment discontinuation in young and older outpatients with depression
The authors? goal was to examine the extent to which perceived stigma affected treatment discontinuation in young and older adults with major depression.