Depression in Later Life: An Essential Guide

(Hardback)

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The geriatric population, defined as men and women 65 years and older, is the fastest growing population in the world. While gerontology, the study of the aging process in human beings, has brought insights about the physical, emotional, and social needs of this population, little attention has been given to the mental health of the aging, and often treatable disorders are overlooked entirely. Depression is one of the leading mental disorders in any age group, but among the elderly it is often viewed as a normal part of aging. But its not. Depression at any age requires attention and treatment.

For sufferers and their families and caregivers, this go-to guide introduces readers to depression among the aging and elderly. It looks at both sufferers whove been diagnosed in their younger years as well as those with a new diagnosis, and reviews the symptoms, the diagnostic process, treatment options including alternative and holistic approaches, and long term care for those experiencing mild, moderate, or severe depression. With real stories throughout, the book illustrates the many forms depression can take, and Serani offers a compassionate voice alongside practical advice for sufferers, caregivers, and families. An extensive resource section rounds out the book. Anyone suffering from depression in later life, and anyone who cares for someone suffering, will want to read this important guide to living well with depression in the golden years.

Reviews

Psychologist Serani (Depression and Your Child) is a clinical expert on depression as well as a lifelong sufferer of the illness, and she brings a valuable mixture of experienced empathy and learned knowledge to this look at people over 65 with depression. She spends ample time unpacking the many terms necessary to her discussion, making heavy use of bullet-points and tables. The more technical information is balanced out by the case studies included at the end of each chapter, which illustrate anecdotally the different points in life at which depression can strike. Much of the book deals with navigating the various treatment options available, with an emphasis on individual agency. . . .On the whole . . . the book succeeds at addressing the needs of a rapidly increasing, but too often invisible, population. * Publishers Weekly *
Serani (Living with Depression, 2012) knows her topic. She is a licensed psychologist who has lived with depression since she was a young girl. In this 'go-to resource' for seniors with depressive disorder or those who are caring for loved ones afflicted with it, she gives tools to make it easier to feel 'meaning and purpose.' She advocates a personalized approach to help figure out if diseases like dementia and stroke are causing symptoms. Then she looks at both traditional treatments and alternative approaches, including meditation and aromatherapy. Its an important topic: suicide rates are highest for seniors. Serani, who knows the ingredients for a useful guidebook, makes good use of diagrams, a glossary, and checklists. She also knows the power of celebrity, adding an appendix featuring 'high-profile people with mood disorders,' including J. K. Rowling, who struggles with depression, and Jesse Jackson Jr., who is bipolar . . . [O]verall this is a valuable resource that can help improve the quality of life for a highly at-risk group. * Booklist *
This well-researched, effectively written, and highly readable guide to late-life depression deserves a wide audience. * Foreword Reviews *
[Depression in Later Life: An Essential Guide is an] excellent, eye-opening book. * Psych Central *
This book will be of invaluable help to those suffering from depression and also those who care for the depressed -- particularly those sufferers of advancing years with their unique and special needs. Dr. Deborah Serani has made a superb contribution to the management of this awful ailment. -- Dick Cavett, Writer and Television Host

Author Bio

Deborah Serani, PsyD, is a go-to media expert on a variety of psychological issues. Her interviews can be found in ABC News, Newsday, Womens Health & Fitness, The Chicago Tribune, The Associated Press, and affiliate radio station programs at CBS and NPR, just to name a few. She is a ShareCare Expert for Dr. Oz, writes for Psychology Today, helms the Ask the Therapist column for Esperanza Magazine and has worked as a technical advisor for the NBC television show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. A licensed psychologist in practice over twenty years, Serani is also an adjunct professor at Adelphi University and author of the award-winning book Living with Depression (Rowman & Littlefield) and Depression and Your Child (Rowman & Littlefield.