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For further assistance with your assignment, ask at the Belzberg Library Reference Desk or contact Nina Smart, Liaison Librarian for Gerontology ( / nsmart@sfu.ca) .
Course description & introduction
Provides an overview of the range of mental illnesses affecting older adults, their respective diagnostic criteria, and empirically validated treatments (disorders with their onset in later life and those that extend into later years). Particular emphasis will be placed on the manner in which psychopathology presents differently among older adults, various theories of aetiology, barriers to diagnosis and treatment, and the social context in which mental illness is understood and treated across cultures.
Term paper research resources
Journal article databases
To get an overview of other research on a particular topic, or other works written by the selected article's author, search an article database:
Ageline
the major social gerontology database
Medline
major medical database
PsycINFO
the major psychology database
Hint: In the Advanced search limit results by Age Group, i.e. Aged (65 yrs & older)
For new researchers see their Quick Reference Guide
Books
APA handbook of clinical geropsychology
Volume 1, History and status of the field and perspectives on aging [online]
Volume 2, Assessment, treatment, and issues of later life [online]
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision - available through DSM Library
A "diagnostic tool used by mental health professionals worldwide to promote reliable research, accurate diagnosis, and thus appropriate treatment and patient care.
Handbook of assessment in clinical gerontology [online]
Discusses "clear guidelines and reliable tools for assessing general mental health, cognitive functioning, functional age, psychosocial health, comorbidity, behavior deficits, and more"
Handbook of the clinical psychology of ageing [online]
Discusses different psychology topics about ageing, including typical problems, assessment, intervention, and treatment
Handbook of the psychology of aging [online]
Discussions on different psychological aspects of aging
Oxford handbook of clinical geropsychology [online]
Psychology textbook providing an introduction to clinical geropsychology including assessment and formulation, sources of psychological distress, and interventions.
Browse Search the Library Catalogue to find additional materials. Sample subject headings:
Websites
- National Seniors Council
consulting body that was "established to advise the Government of Canada on matters related to the health, the well-being and quality of life of seniors" - APA guidelines for psychological practice with older adults
including a link to the full guidelines
See also: Psychology Information Resources for more information about psychology research