Citation

Hyer L, Bagge R. Activ. Adapt. Aging 1986; 8(3): 177-189.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J016v08n03_18

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Older age psychiatric patients are not often viewed as part of the life span developmental process. They are treated conservatively and "educated" to reduce active life styles. A social breakdown syndrome often results. This article argues that better care among the elderly psychiatric patients often involves both psychopharmacologica1 and psychosocial interventions. Commonly, the latter suffers at the hands of the former. This is due largely to myths, staff bias or prepotent staff management needs, as well as poor care in general. The goal of older age psychiatric care could be autonomy and independence even among frail psychiatric elders. On this behalf, a simple schema of psychopharmacologic agents and side effects, five psychopharmacologic and psychosocial principles, and a "Treatment Autonomy Schema," are offered.