| Abstract: | A community mental health clinic in an urban setting is the subject of an exploratory assessment to determine whether its 55 + patients are being treated according to the special diagnostic and treatment issues that tend to affect older people. Depression is found to be high on the list of diagnoses in this age group. As many as 40% of the group are considered to be at risk for suicide. The interrelationship of medical and psychological factors is emphasized. Sixty-two percent of those studied are determined to be socially isolated. Treatment techniques recommended in the literature for older patients are summarized, and it is determined that, while therapists at the clinic.have not been trained in geriatric psychology, many are instinctively utilizing these techniques. Recommendations are made for increased use of groupwork with older patients, inservice education for staff, attention to medical complications, improved outreach, and involvement of family. |
