User:Blackbear111/sandbox

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Original article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geriatric_psychology#cite_note-5

Notes:

- worked on the overall organization/structure/grammar

- added information to the "psychology vs. psychiatry" section, edited the "role of a geriatric psychologist" section

- added information to the research areas "loneliness in old age" and "depression"

- added/organized citations and references

Geriatric Psychology is a subfield of

physical health of individuals in the later stages of life. These specialized psychologists study a variety of psychological abilities that deplete as aging occurs such as memory, learning capabilities, and coordination
. Geriatric psychiatrists work with elderly clients to conduct the diagnosis, study, and treatment of certain mental illnesses in a variety of workplace settings. Common areas of practice include loneliness in old age, depression, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and Parkinson's disease.

Geriatric Psychology vs. Geriatric Psychiatry

Geriatric psychology Geriatric psychology is based upon the study of mental functions with aging. The psychologist's purpose is to observe how the

physiological process of an elderly adults brain affects their behaviors in daily life. When a psychologist is specialized in geriatrics
they provide care for declining brain functions to improve cognitive health.

Geriatric psychiatry Geriatric psychiatry is a subspecialty of

mental disorders in the later stages of life.[1][2][3] The field composes of the diagnosis, treatment, and management of areas such as depression, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. A geriatric psychiatrist is also a licensed doctor that can prescribe medications for elderly patients. Psychiatrists require education and degree from a medical school. [4]

Role of a Geriatric Psychologist

A geriatric psychologist specializes in the treatment of the elderly. This treatment can include mental health problems or aid in understanding and coping with the aging process. In order to become a geriatric psychologist, one must obtain a doctoral degree in psychology and specialize in

research centers
.

Geriatric psychologists spend most of their workday addressing mental health issues in older adults and counseling those that need it. They also aid in the diagnosis of age-related problems. In order to check for mental health issues, geriatric psychologists will conduct clinical interviews, neuropsychological tests and behavioral observations.[5]

Common Areas of Practice

Loneliness in old age

Main article: Loneliness

Loneliness is an emotional response to the process of

immune
functioning. It is prevalent throughout all age groups from childhood to old age.

Nurses and other individuals who work in association with the elderly learn the various theories of loneliness, as they may need to implement these perspectives into enhancing the lives of their patients.[6] They are particularly problematic in old age due to the changes an individual goes through such as decreasing economic stability and resources, changes in family structures, reduced social communication and the death of a relative or spouse.

The most researched outcomes of loneliness are depression and

elevated blood pressure
.

Social isolation and feelings of loneliness are also major risk factors for poor

neural processing and cognitive abilities. In a 4-year prospective study of initially dementia-free old-age adults, the risk of Alzheimer’s was more than twice in lonely individuals compared to non-lonely. The study concluded that loneliness led to lower cognitive abilities and a rapid decline in cognition during the 4-year course. [7]

Depression

Main article: Depression (mood)

Depression in the elderly community can have severe

comorbid with “morbidity, increased risk of suicide, decreased physical, cognitive and social functioning, and greater self-neglect”, all of which are associated with an increase in mortality.[8]

Risk factors

A common pathway to depression in older adults may consist of predisposing risks as well as the life changes experienced in old age. The development of late-life depression has several risk factors that likely compose of "cognitive diathesis, age-associated neurobiological changes, genetic vulnerabilities, and stressful life events".

Sleep quality at an old age is just as important as sleep duration to avoid lack of sleep. Research shows that feelings of loneliness and depression can result in poor sleep quality and daytime dysfunctions. These daytime impairments include physical and intellectual fatigue, irritability, and low cognitive abilities. [9]

See Also

Developmental Psychology

References

  1. ^ Barraclough, J.; Gill, D. (1996). Hughes' outline of modern psychiatry. (4th ed.) New York: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-0-471-96358-5
  2. ^ Bowden, V.M.; Long, M.J. (1995). Geriatric psychiatry. Journal of the American Medical Association, 273, 1395.
  3. ^ Harkins, S. (16 April 2003). "Glossary of Terms". Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  4. ^ "Psychiatry vs. Psychology: What's the Difference?". www.careerprofiles.info. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  5. ^ "Geriatric Psychology: Career Options, Job Duties and Requirements". Study.com. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  6. PMID 21234164.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link
    )
  7. ^ Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2013). Social connectedness and health. Human bonding: The science of affectional ties, 343-364.
  8. PMID 19327033
    .
  9. ^ Dunietz, G. L., Swanson, L. M., Jansen, E. C., Chervin, R. D., O’Brien, L. M., Lisabeth, L. D., & Braley, T. J. (2018). Key insomnia symptoms and incident pain in older adults: direct and mediated pathways through depression and anxiety. Sleep, 41(9), zsy125.

Category:Psychology

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