HDE 100c 11&12

psychological disorder

Pattern of thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that causes distress or interferes with daily functioning.

incidence

Number of new cases of a disorder during a specific time period.

prevalence

Total number of existing cases of a disorder in a population at a given time.

risk factors for psychological disorders

Factors that increase the chance of mental health problems, such as illness, pain, disability, grief, loneliness, cognitive decline, poverty, and ageism.

diagnostic issues in older adults

Mental health symptoms may be mistaken for normal aging, dementia, physical illness, or medication side effects.

DSM-5-TR

U.S. diagnostic manual used to classify psychological disorders.

ICD-11

International classification system for diseases and mental disorders.

professional geropsychology

Field of psychology focused on assessment and treatment of older adults.

mood disorders

Disorders involving major disturbances in mood, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

major depressive disorder

Disorder involving persistent depressed mood or loss of interest plus symptoms that impair daily life.

major depressive episode

A period of depressive symptoms such as sadness, loss of interest, sleep/appetite changes, fatigue, guilt, or suicidal thoughts.

dysphoria

A general state of sadness, unease, or dissatisfaction.

prolonged grief disorder

Intense grief that lasts longer than expected and interferes with daily functioning.

bipolar disorder

Mood disorder involving episodes of depression and mania or hypomania.

manic episode

Period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, high energy, reduced need for sleep, and impulsive behavior.

anxiety disorder

Disorder involving excessive fear, worry, or avoidance.

generalized anxiety disorder

Excessive and difficult-to-control worry about many areas of life.

panic disorder

Disorder involving repeated panic attacks and fear of future attacks.

agoraphobia

Fear of places or situations where escape may be difficult or help may not be available.

specific phobia

Intense fear of a specific object or situation.

social anxiety disorder

Fear of social situations because of possible judgment or embarrassment.

obsessive-compulsive disorder

Disorder involving obsessions and compulsions.

obsessions

Repeated unwanted thoughts, urges, or images.

compulsions

Repeated behaviors or mental acts used to reduce anxiety.

hoarding

Difficulty discarding possessions, leading to clutter and distress or impairment.

trauma- and stress-related disorders

Disorders that develop after exposure to trauma or severe stress.

acute stress disorder

Trauma symptoms that occur soon after trauma and last less than one month.

post-traumatic stress disorder

Trauma symptoms that last more than one month and interfere with life.

late-onset stress symptomatology

Trauma-related symptoms that appear later in life.

Later-Adulthood Trauma Reengagement

Reemergence or reprocessing of earlier trauma triggered by aging-related experiences such as illness, loss, or dependency.

Complex PTSD

PTSD plus difficulties with emotion regulation, self-concept, and relationships.

schizophrenia

Disorder involving psychosis, such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, or reduced emotional expression.

substance-use disorder

Harmful pattern of alcohol, drug, or medication use that causes impairment or distress.

personality disorder

Long-term pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving that causes problems in relationships or daily life.

antisocial personality disorder

Pattern of violating others’ rights, impulsivity, aggression, and lack of remorse.

borderline personality disorder

Pattern of unstable emotions, relationships, identity, fear of abandonment, and impulsivity.

elder abuse

Harm or risk of harm to an older adult by someone in a trusted relationship.

physical abuse

Use of force that causes injury, pain, or impairment.

emotional abuse

Verbal or nonverbal behavior that causes emotional pain or distress.

sexual abuse

Nonconsensual sexual contact or interaction.

neglect

Failure to provide necessary care, safety, food, hygiene, or medical treatment.

financial exploitation

Illegal or improper use of an older adult’s money, property, or assets.

abandonment

Leaving an older adult without needed care or support.

reasons elder abuse is not reported

Fear, shame, dependence on abuser, cognitive impairment, isolation, or fear of losing independence.

warning signs of elder abuse

Bruises, fearfulness, poor hygiene, sudden financial changes, untreated medical needs, or caregiver control.

prevention of elder abuse

Education, caregiver support, screening, reporting systems, social support, and long-term care oversight.

suicide in older adults

Risk increases with depression, chronic illness, pain, loneliness, grief, sleep problems, and access to firearms.

Pikes Peak Model of Geropsychology

Model describing training and competencies needed for psychologists working with older adults.

psychological assessment

Process of evaluating mental health, cognition, emotions, behavior, and functioning.

clinical interview

Conversation used to gather symptoms, history, and concerns.

mental status examination

Brief assessment of appearance, mood, thought process, memory, and awareness.

orientation

Awareness of person, place, time, and situation.

Mini-Mental State Examination

Brief screening tool used to assess cognitive functioning.

Veterans Affairs Saint Louis University Mental Status exam

Cognitive screening tool used to detect mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

neuropsychological assessment

Detailed testing of memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and executive functioning.

evidence-based practice

Use of treatments supported by research evidence.

medical interventions

Biological treatments such as medication or electroconvulsive therapy.

psychotherapeutic medications

Medications used to treat psychological symptoms.

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Antidepressants commonly used for depression and anxiety.

electroconvulsive therapy

Treatment using controlled electrical stimulation, often for severe depression.

cognitive behavioral therapy

Therapy that changes unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.

reminiscence therapy

Therapy using life review and memories to improve well-being.

mindfulness

Practice of present-focused awareness without judgment.

problem-solving therapy

Therapy that teaches structured ways to identify and solve life problems.

social skills training

Treatment that helps improve communication and relationship skills.

long-term care

Ongoing services for people who need help with daily activities, medical care, or safety.

institutional facility

Care setting where people live and receive support services.

nursing home

Facility providing 24-hour care and help with daily living.

skilled nursing facility

Facility providing medical-level nursing care or rehabilitation.

rehabilitation unit

Short-term care setting focused on recovery after illness, injury, or hospitalization.

custodial care

Help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or mobility.

residential care facility

Housing setting that provides support services.

assisted living facility

Residential setting for people who need help with daily activities but not full nursing-home-level care.

home health care

Health or personal care services provided in a person’s home.

geriatric partial hospital

Day program providing structured mental health treatment for older adults.

adult day service

Daytime program providing supervision, activities, and sometimes health services.

respite care

Temporary care that gives family caregivers a break.

government-assisted housing

Housing support for low-income older adults.

accessory dwelling unit

Small secondary housing unit near or attached to a main home, often used for aging family members.

continuing care retirement community

Community offering multiple levels of care, from independent living to nursing care.

Medicare

Federal health insurance mostly for adults 65 and older.

Medicaid

Government program that helps low-income people pay for healthcare and long-term care.

financing of long-term care

How long-term care is paid for, often through personal funds, Medicaid, insurance, or limited Medicare coverage.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Federal agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare Part A

Hospital insurance, including hospital care, some skilled nursing, hospice, and some home health.

Medicare Part B

Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive care, and some home health services.

Medicare Part C

Medicare Advantage; private plan alternative to Original Medicare.

Medicare Part D

Prescription drug coverage.

Medicaid spend down

Process of reducing assets or income to qualify for Medicaid.

quality issues in long-term care

Problems such as understaffing, neglect, infection control, falls, poor food sanitation, and low quality of life.

Nursing Home Reform Act

Law that protects nursing home residents’ rights and sets care standards.

1998 Nursing Home Initiative

Federal effort to strengthen nursing home oversight and enforcement.

2002 National Nursing Home Quality Initiative

Program focused on public reporting and improvement of nursing home quality.

Affordable Care Act

Healthcare law that included reforms related to quality and long-term care.

quality standards

Rules used to evaluate whether long-term care facilities provide safe and appropriate care.

Online Survey Certification and Reporting system

System used to track nursing home inspection, certification, and quality data.

competence-press model

Model stating that the best environment matches the person’s abilities with the demands placed on them.

Culture Change Movement

Effort to make long-term care more person-centered, dignified, and less institutional.

Green House model

Small, home-like nursing home model focused on individualized care and quality of life.

aging in place

Supporting older adults so they can remain in their own home or community as long as possible.