Palliative Psychology: Clinical Perspectives on an Emerging Specialty

Herz, Rachel

Halgin, Richard P

Vitkus, John

The principal goal of <i>Clinical Geropsychology</i> was to assemble the contributions of a group of international experts whose work has focused on the psychology of aging and the field of clinical geropsychology. The chapters in this volume survey many of the significant contributions to our knowledge of the mental health problems of older adults, their clinical assessment, and the empirical support for our clinical interventions. <p/>In 1900 the average life expectancy in the USA was 49 years. There was relatively little need at that time for a psychology of aging, much less a clinical psychology of aging. That situation has dramatically changed over the past century and will continue to do so for many years. Today, adults 65 years of age and older comprise approximately 12.7% of the US population. With increasing age come increased risks of physical health problems and the field of clinical geropsychology continues to evolve as more researchers and clinicians begin to address the mental health needs of our increasing older adult population. <p/><i>Clinical Geropsychology</i> examines the emerging field of clinical psychology beginning with a review of this area of research, presenting important epidemiological information. The volume then offers a detailed look at issues that range from analyzing physiological and cognitive aspects to cognitive changes and specific neurological disorders common among older adults. Specific topics covered include sexuality, bereavement, anxiety, substance abuse, and schizophrenia. Each chapter presents a summary of clinical research and its practical application. Voids in the knowledge base are also noted, along with recommendations for the direction of future investigations. The volume also addresses management problems such as incontinence, wandering, and aggressive behavior, and reviews the various mental health care systems available in different countries. <p/><i>Clinical Geropsychology</i> was previously published as Volume 7 of the highly acclaimed major reference work, <i>Comprehensive Clinical Psychology</i>, the single, most comprehensive source of information in the field of Clinical Psychology.<br>

<p>The papers included in this volume highlight research and practice in child and adolescent mental health from around the world. As systems of care are different across countries and cultures, it is imperative that knowledge is shared and lessons learned. The biennial Elsevier conference on Child and Adolescent Mental Health is designed to provide a forum for mental health and educational experts from various disciplines and countries.</p>

<p>Researchers and clinicians working with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCD) and related disorders who need the most current information available will find this volume of great use. <i>Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Subtypes and Spectrum Conditions</i> covers contemporary theory, research, and treatment of the various subtypes of OCD and problems often referred to as OCD spectrum disorders.</p> <p>As the mental health field considers the next iteration of the DSM, an entire research agenda is being planned to elucidate issues such as how best to understand and classify OCD. The questions of subtypes and spectrum disorders are at the heart of this issue and will guide how OCD is conceptualized in DSM-V. This volume, dedicated to such diagnostic, theoretical, and treatment issues, helps informs the field of the most up-to-date knowledge and what remains to be resolved.</p><br>Dr. Abramowitz is Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is an internationally recognized expert on the treatment of OCD and has published over 100 journal articles, books chapters, or books on this and related topics. He has received awards from the Mayo Clinic, American Psychological Association (Division 12) and the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation. Dr. Abramowitz serves as Associate Editor of Behavior Research and Therapy and on the editorial boards of several professional journals. He was a members of the DSM-IV-TR Anxiety Disorders Work Group.<br>Dr. Dean McKay is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Fordham University. He has published over 175 journal articles and book chapters, and edited or co-edited 16 books dealing with assessment and treatment of complex cases in children and adults, OCD, disgust in psychopathology, and research methodology. His research has also focused on mechanisms of information processing bias for anxiety states.<br>Dr. Steven Taylor is a Professor and Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia. For 10 years he was Associate Editor of Behavior Research and Therapy, and now is Associate Editor of the Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy. He has published over 100 journal articles, over 35 book chapters, and 8 books on anxiety disorders and related topics. His most recent books are on the nature and treatment of hypochondriasis, which is commonly considered to be an OC spectrum disorder. He served as a consultant on the text revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), and is a member of the scientific advisory board of the Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada. He has received early career awards from the Canadian Psychological Association, the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. He is also a Fellow of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Association of Cognitive Therapy. His clinical and research interests include cognitive-behavioral treatments and mechanisms of anxiety disordres and related conditions.<br>