ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the behavioral health challenges of old age. It provides an overview of demographic shifts and epidemiological data and also includes information about the major mental and substance use disorders of old age and about interventions that are helpful to people with such disorders. The chapter addresses the failure of mental health policy in the United States (US) to anticipate the elder boom and identifies key policy changes needed to meet its mental health challenges. The prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders and of psychotic conditions declines in old age; dementia increases. It is useful to distinguish older adults with lifelong mental and/or substance use disorders from those with late-life disorders. Providing treatment for those who are depressed can be helpful as a measure to prevent suicide. Severe anxiety and depression, which frequently co-occur, often contribute to social isolation. Misuse and abuse of alcohol is the major substance use problem among older adults.
