Evaluation and Treatment of the Psychogeriatric Patient.

This six-chapter book includes perspectives on strategies for intervention with aged adults with multiple disabilities and the roles of occupational therapists on interdisciplinary teams in an acute care setting, a transitional program, and a geriatric day hospital. Assessment of people with cognitive impairments and a chapter on learned helplessness complete the book. The intended audience is occupational therapists working with geriatric patients.

The first chapter, though entitled "Activity, Social Role Retention, and the Multiply Disabled Aged: Strategies for Intervention," seems more a statement of philosophy of practice with a focus on activity analysis. This material includes many definitions of terms necessary for the non-occupational therapist reader. The result is a very brief description of the many factors that contribute to disruption of function, followed by very brief explanations of the adaptations required in activity for persons in the clinical setting who have physical and cognitive disabilities. This superficial treatment is not meaningful for the non-occupational therapist, and much of it seemingly is not necessary for the occupational therapist.

The second chapter, written by Solomon, is the best chapter in the book, in my opinion. This chapter, "Learned Helplessness in the Elderly: Theoretic and Clinical Considerations," reviews some areas of stress in the life of an elderly person and describes some coping mechanisms that may be available. It is intended for those who deal with patients who are disabled because of psychopathology or organic brain disease or who have poor coping skills. The information is readable by the non-medical person, yet is still helpful to occupational therapists and physical therapists. The concluding section looks at clinical implications of learned helplessness for the health professional and programmatic considerations.

The final chapter, "Debunking the Myths of Aging," would be more appropriate in an expanded version of the first chapter. The main ideas are good, but the coverage is again too brief for practicing therapists or students of occupational therapy or physical therapy.

With the exception of the second chapter, this volume is probably not very useful for physical therapists. It can be quickly skimmed to give perspectives on occupational therapy models in the three care settings mentioned. The Solomon chapter is worth reading with care.