Kennedy, Gary J. : Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Gary J. Kennedy, MD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and
Director of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and the Psychogeriatric Fellowship Training Program at Montefiore
Medical Center in Bronx, New York. He is also Supervising Psychiatrist of the Geriatric Unit at Bronx Psychiatric
Center. More than 30 psychiatrists have completed geriatric training under his direction. Dr. Kennedy's research
and teaching have focused on cardiac arrhythmias, the epidemiology of depression and dementia, and mental health
care in nursing homes and in the community.
Review
"A useful reference for the student and generalist concerned with the life problems and mental health of
elders. For a single author to be able to encompass this body of knowledge is remarkable, and Kennedy does it well."
--American Journal of Psychotherapy
"It is noteworthy that Dr. Kennedy gives special consideration to the complexities of providing consultation
in nursing homes, on home visits, and to other health care agencies. Specific guidance on navigating this unchartered
territory is both practical and valuable....Geriatric Mental Health Care is a timely endeavor written by one of
the leading educators in geriatric psychiatry to guide and instruct health care professionals at every level in
working with the elderly."
--Psychiatric Services
"At once focused and comprehensive, chapters provide concise overviews of the main areas of geriatric psychiatry
such as late--life depression as well as useful reference material. Perhaps the greatest strengths of the book,
however, lie in its coverage of lesser--understood topics such as elder abuse/neglect and personality disorders."
--Dan Blazer, MD, PhD, Duke University Medical Center
Publisher Web Site, February, 2003
Summary
This essential guide is designed for mental health practitioners and primary care providers without advanced
training in geriatric psychiatry. Gary J. Kennedy sets forth a clear framework for understanding the interplay
of medical, psychological, and social factors in frequently encountered problems among older adults. Clear guidelines
are delineated for assessing and treating such conditions as depression and anxiety, dementia, psychosis and mania,
sleep disturbances, personality and somatoform disorders, substance abuse, and suicidality. Throughout, the book
focuses on ways to sustain seniors' independence and overall quality of life while enhancing their adaptive capacities.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the Geriatric Imperative
2. Depression and Anxiety
3. The Dementias
4. Psychosis and Mania
5. Sleep Disturbances
6. Personality, Somatoform, and Pain Disorders
7. Individual Psychotherapies for Older Adults
8. Adapting Principles of Marital, Group, and Family Therapy to the Needs of Older Patients
9. Sexuality
10. Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Self-Injurious Behaviors
11. Alcohol and Substance Abuse
12. Recognition and Reduction of Suicide Risk
13. Mental Health Consultation in the General Hospital, Home, or Nursing Facility
14. Legal and Ethical Issues
15. Advice on Exercise and Nutrition
