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G Maletta

Publications and source records attributed to G Maletta.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Personality disorders in late life. Understanding and overcoming the gap in research.

A review of the literature on personality disorders (PD) in late life reveals fewer research papers than those found for PD in younger adults and for other major late-life psychiatric diagnoses. The authors suggest that this gap is largely due to the difficult and inconsistent diagnostic process for late-life PDs. Diagnosis is complicated by the frequent unavailability and/or unreliability of longitudinal data, lack of age-adjusted diagnostic instruments, and failure of the current Axis II nosology to account for age-related issues, including changes in social functioning, and the effects of comorbid illness and cognitive impairment. They propose that the development of a geriatric subclassification for PD, along with improved clinical documentation of personality and data from dimensional instruments for both normal and pathologic personalities, would provide a more reliable, valid, and geriatric-friendly diagnostic process.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Schizophrenia and older adults. An overview: directions for research and policy.

The Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry, Committee on Aging, believes that a crisis has emerged with respect to the understanding of the nature and treatment of schizophrenia in older persons. Moreover, critical gaps exist in clinical services for this population. In this article, we examine the epidemiology of aging and schizophrenia; life-course changes in psychopathology, cognitive function, social functioning, and physical health; and various concerns regarding treatment, services, and financing. Finally, we propose six research and policy recommendations and suggest methods for addressing the research questions that we have posed.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Update 2000. Guidelines for prescribing psychoactive drugs.

As patients age, a pattern develops in the primary care setting of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of psychiatric disorders, including dementing illnesses and depression. Choosing an appropriate psychoactive drug and dosage for an older patient is a complex task, due to the wide array of medications available and the need for careful titration. To address these problems, this article provides prescribing recommendations for antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, benzodiazepines (antianxiety/hypnotics), and other psychoactive medications.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

The outcomes of an inpatient treatment program for geriatric patients with dementia and dysfunctional behaviors.

This study evaluated outcomes of an inpatient program designed to reduce severe agitated behavior in geriatric patients with dementia who could not be successfully treated on an outpatient basis. An individualized treatment plan was created for each patient (N = 250) that involved pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions with behavioral, environmental, and psychological components. Assessment of behavioral, cognitive, and functional status was conducted for each patient on admission to the program and at discharge. Significant improvements on these assessments were observed. We conclude that the longitudinal, multidisciplinary approach used in this study was effective in significantly reducing intrusive and dangerous behaviors while preserving or enhancing patients' cognitive and functional abilities.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Guidelines for prescribing psychoactive drugs in the elderly: Part 2.

Antipsychotic drugs are frequently used (and sometimes overused) to manage behavioral problems, especially in demented patients. All antipsychotics theoretically work through the same mechanism, so drug selection is based primarily on side effect profiles. In this article, we provide prescribing guidelines for antipsychotics and other psychoactive drugs used in the treatment of elderly patients with emotional dysfunction. Included are stimulants, lithium, carbamazepine, propranolol HCl, and buspirone HCl. Guidelines for benzodiazepines and antidepressants were discussed in part 1 of this two-part article (page 40).

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Guidelines for prescribing psychoactive drugs in the elderly: Part 1.

Primary care physicians are usually the first to see elderly patients with emotional problems secondary to dementia and other psychiatric disorders. Because these problems often can be treated effectively, physicians should have a working knowledge of the guidelines for optimal use of psychoactive medications. Part 1 of this two-part article discusses general prescribing guidelines based on the pharmacokinetics of aging and provides specific information about benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Antipsychotics and other psychoactive agents used to treat the elderly are discussed in part 2 (page 52).

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PubMed1987

Mental dysfunction as a sign of organic illness in the elderly.

Organic illness in the elderly can often present with psychiatric signs and symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, depression, mania, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and changes in cognitive function. The prototypes of three such diseases--B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, and normal pressure hydrocephalus are discussed. Specifically addressed are the neuropsychiatric manifestations of these diseases and the need for a thorough and continuing evaluation of patients presenting with mental dysfunction, in order to ensure an accurate and timely diagnosis. It is only through the recognition that these symptoms may represent non-psychiatric organic disease that early treatment can be implemented and symptoms potentially reversed.

Aged↗