GRN 520 - Aging and Mental Health

Credits: 3
Prerequisites GRN-517 or permission of instructor
This course is designed to provide an understanding of mental health and illness in older adulthood. Topics will focus on theoretical models and their application to individuals in later life; the biological, psychological, and social etiology of mental health and illness in relation to race, ethnicity, economics, gender, age, and sexual orientation; the presentation, assessment, and treatment of mental illness (e.g., cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorders); and ethical issues that arise when working with older adult clients and their families. Assignments will focus on special problems faced in geriatric assessment and intervention (i.e., validity/reliability of tools; complex comorbidities).