International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 18(5), May 2003, pp.392-401.
Publisher:
Wiley
Under-treatment of depression in late-life is a subject of rising public health concern throughout Europe. This study investigates and compares the availability of services for depressed elderly persons in Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Additionally, it explores factors that might contribute to an adequate services supply for depressed elderly people. Review of the literature and guide supported expert interviews. Analysis of the practice of care provision for depressed elderly persons and of indicators for political and professional awareness, such as university chairs, certification processes and political programmes in gerontopsychiatry. Only Switzerland and the UK offer countrywide community-oriented services for depressed elderly persons. Clinical experience in treating depression in late-life is not regularly acquired in the vocational training of the concerned professionals. Indicators suggest that the medical society and health politics in Switzerland and the UK regard psychiatric disease in the elderly more importantly than it is the case in the other investigated countries. Service provision for depressed elderly persons seems to be more elaborated and better available in countries where gerontopsychiatry is institutionalised to a greater extend in the medical society and health politics.
Under-treatment of depression in late-life is a subject of rising public health concern throughout Europe. This study investigates and compares the availability of services for depressed elderly persons in Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Additionally, it explores factors that might contribute to an adequate services supply for depressed elderly people. Review of the literature and guide supported expert interviews. Analysis of the practice of care provision for depressed elderly persons and of indicators for political and professional awareness, such as university chairs, certification processes and political programmes in gerontopsychiatry. Only Switzerland and the UK offer countrywide community-oriented services for depressed elderly persons. Clinical experience in treating depression in late-life is not regularly acquired in the vocational training of the concerned professionals. Indicators suggest that the medical society and health politics in Switzerland and the UK regard psychiatric disease in the elderly more importantly than it is the case in the other investigated countries. Service provision for depressed elderly persons seems to be more elaborated and better available in countries where gerontopsychiatry is institutionalised to a greater extend in the medical society and health politics.
Subject terms:
literature reviews, mental health problems, older people, community mental health services, comparative studies, depression;
Content type:
research review
Location(s):
Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
British Journal of Psychiatry, 184(2), February 2004, pp.147-152.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
France has high rates of psychotropic drug consumption and suicide in the elderly population, but it has not yet been possible to determine whether this is due to exceptionally high morbidity rates. The aim was to describe the first longitudinal population study of psychiatric disorder undertaken in France, and to estimate current and lifetime prevalences and age of onset of psychiatric disorder. A study group of 1873 non-institutionalised persons aged 65 years and over was randomly recruited from the Montpellier district electoral rolls. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to assess current and lifetime symptoms. Cases identified by the application of DSM — IV criteria were re-examined by a clinical panel. Forty-six per cent of the study population had experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, and 3.7% had made a suicide attempt. Lifetime prevalence of major depression was 26.5% and 30% for anxiety disorders. Current prevalence rates were 14.2% for anxiety disorders, 10.7% for phobia, 3% for major depression and 1.7% for psychosis. Results show veryhigh rates of lifetime but not current major depression. Rates of currentphobia and suicidal ideation in the very elderly are also high compared with other studies. The rates reported are likely to be underestimates.
France has high rates of psychotropic drug consumption and suicide in the elderly population, but it has not yet been possible to determine whether this is due to exceptionally high morbidity rates. The aim was to describe the first longitudinal population study of psychiatric disorder undertaken in France, and to estimate current and lifetime prevalences and age of onset of psychiatric disorder. A study group of 1873 non-institutionalised persons aged 65 years and over was randomly recruited from the Montpellier district electoral rolls. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to assess current and lifetime symptoms. Cases identified by the application of DSM — IV criteria were re-examined by a clinical panel. Forty-six per cent of the study population had experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime, and 3.7% had made a suicide attempt. Lifetime prevalence of major depression was 26.5% and 30% for anxiety disorders. Current prevalence rates were 14.2% for anxiety disorders, 10.7% for phobia, 3% for major depression and 1.7% for psychosis. Results show veryhigh rates of lifetime but not current major depression. Rates of currentphobia and suicidal ideation in the very elderly are also high compared with other studies. The rates reported are likely to be underestimates.
This book examines race and ethnicity in relation to social work theories and practices and acknowledges the complexities in these concepts. Part one looks at: emerging ethnicities as a theoretical framework; a theoretical framework for ethnic sensitivity for social work practice; multicultural organisational development; and inclusive thinking and acting. Part two is on: the social pedagogical model in the multicultural society; the experience of Zimbabwe in using social development as a model of social work practice; and social work education with migrants and refugees in France. Part three examines mainstream social work practice with diverse user groups, including black and minority ethnic older people, children and people with mental health problems. Part four focuses on reclaiming heritages through social work practice and contains chapters on: renewing first nations ways of helping; a Maori social work construct; and appropriateness of social work practice with communities of African origin.
This book examines race and ethnicity in relation to social work theories and practices and acknowledges the complexities in these concepts. Part one looks at: emerging ethnicities as a theoretical framework; a theoretical framework for ethnic sensitivity for social work practice; multicultural organisational development; and inclusive thinking and acting. Part two is on: the social pedagogical model in the multicultural society; the experience of Zimbabwe in using social development as a model of social work practice; and social work education with migrants and refugees in France. Part three examines mainstream social work practice with diverse user groups, including black and minority ethnic older people, children and people with mental health problems. Part four focuses on reclaiming heritages through social work practice and contains chapters on: renewing first nations ways of helping; a Maori social work construct; and appropriateness of social work practice with communities of African origin.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, multicultural approach, multicultural society, older people, refugees, social work methods, social work theories, black and minority ethnic people, children;
University of Kent. European Institute of Social Services
Publication year:
1993
Pagination:
401p.
Place of publication:
Canterbury
Detailed account of social services in the twelve member states of the European Community. Contains sections on: organisation, responsibility and finance for social services; preventative services; children and families; elderly people; people with disabilities; addictions; illnesses; AIDS/HIV; socially excluded people; young people; services for migrants; names and addresses of major public and private social services agencies.
Detailed account of social services in the twelve member states of the European Community. Contains sections on: organisation, responsibility and finance for social services; preventative services; children and families; elderly people; people with disabilities; addictions; illnesses; AIDS/HIV; socially excluded people; young people; services for migrants; names and addresses of major public and private social services agencies.
Subject terms:
HIV AIDS, immigration, learning disabilities, mental health, mental health problems, older people, physical disabilities, poverty, prevention, private health care, social exclusion, social services, voluntary organisations, young people, addiction, alcohol misuse, black and minority ethnic people, children, drug misuse, families, health care;