Treating the elderly with psychotherapy : the scope for change in later life /

The contributors to this book, clinicians experienced in working with the elderly, discuss the implications and applications of psychoanalytic theories and therapies for the aged. The impetus for the book grew out of a 1984 conference titled ``The Scope for Changes in Later Life.'' Although published in 1987, the most recent reference was from 1985. The editors are psychiatrists associated with the Baycrest Center for Geriatric Care, Toronto, Canada. The thesis of the book challenges many of the common assumptions and myths regarding aging and responsiveness to therapy. The contributors consider general psychodynamic issues, specific psychopathologies, and varied treatment modalities. The book is written in a very engaging style and includes many interesting case studies. A relatively complete author and subject index and representative chapter references increase the value of the book. Although the orientation is clearly psychoanalytic, specialists with other theoretical persuasions should find the book provocative and interesting. Advanced readers interested in the geriatric population should gain from exposure to the ideas presented here.-L.M. Cooper, University of Utah