The Epidemiology of Mental Disorder in the Elderly: A Response to the Senate/AARP Report

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Abstract
A recent report prepared by the Senate Select Committee on Aging and the AARP suggests that older people have a lower prevalence of mental health problems than any other age group. Depression and drug and alcohol abuse were singled out as rarities in old age. The report also states that this leads to the underutilization of mental health services by older people. Alternative interpretations are presented, which suggest high rates of mental health problems in old age are accompanied by an unmet need for services. Problems in governmental policies and the shifting site of care are presented as contributors to the low use of services.

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