变态心理学 Abnormal Psychology_Ch18.pptVIP

Comer, Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology, 3e Disorders of Aging and Cognition Chapter 18 Disorders of Aging and Cognition Dementia – deterioration of one’s memory and related cognitive faculties – is currently the most publicized and feared psychological problem among the elderly It is, however, hardly the only one A variety of psychological disorders are tied closely to later life As with childhood disorders, some of the disorders of old age are caused primarily by pressures that are particularly likely to appear at that time of life, others by unique traumatic experiences, and still others – like dementia – by biological abnormalities Old Age and Stress Old age is usually defined in our society as the years past age 65 More than 36 million “old” people in the U.S. – 12% of the population and counting Older women outnumber older men by 3 to 2 Like childhood, old age brings special pressure, unique upsets, and profound biological changes Old Age and Stress The stresses of elderly people need not result in psychological disorders; however, studies indicate that as many as 50% of elderly people would benefit from mental health services Fewer than 20% actually receive them Geropsychology is the field of psychology dedicated to the mental health of elderly people Old Age and Stress The psychological problems of elderly persons may be divided into two groups: Disorders that are found in people of all ages but are connected to the process of aging Depressive, anxiety, and substance-related disorders Disorders of cognition that result from brain abnormalities Delirium, dementia Depression in Later Life Depression is one of the most common mental health problems of older adults The features of depression are the same for elderly people as for younger people As many as 20% of people experience this disorder at some point during old age The rate is highest in older women Several studies suggest that depression among older people raises their chances of developing significa