This state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary reference is the first to assess the empirical research and conceptual frameworks for understanding the mental health needs and services use of the ethnic elderly. Leading scholars, researchers, and clinicians in gerontology, epidemiology, psychiatry, psychology, sociology, anthropology, nursing, and social work appraise varying approaches, the demographics, the mental health status and service use of the ethnic elderly, and issues in the diagnosis, treatment, and mental health service delivery for the ethnic aged: for African Americans, American Indians, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, and Hispanic/Latino Americans. This unique handbook is a valuable resource and text for students, teachers, and professionals in a broad array of fields and settings.The handbook considers such problems as Alzheimer's Disease, depression and problems of coping, culturally specific psychosocial nursing care programs, the role of culture and class in mental and physical co-morbidity among the elderly, and important life-course perspectives for specific groups. Students, teachers, and professionals in many fields and settings will find this unique handbook a valuable resource and text.

State-of-the-art reference by leading experts and first book-length appraisal of research, practices, and policies concerning mental health needs of the ethnic elderly in America.

Figures and TablesPrefaceIntroductionApproaches to Understanding Aging, Ethnicity, and Mental HealthA Demographic and Epidemiologic Profile of the Ethnic Elderly by Dorothy S. RuizEthnic and Cultural Factors in Research on Aging and Mental Health: A Life-Course Perspective by James S. Jackson, Toni C. Antonucci, and Rose C. GibsonMental and Physical Co-Morbidity among the Elderly: The Role of Culture and Social Class by Ronald J. Angel and Jacqueline L. AngelMental Health Status and Needs of the Ethnic ElderlyMental Health Status and Needs of Black and White Elderly: Differences in Depression by Joanne E. Turnbull and Ada C. MuiExamining Mental Health Status and the Needs of the Hispanic Elderly: A Cross-Cultural Analysis by Elena Bastida and Genaro GonzalezMental Health Status and Needs of the Asian American Elderly by Tai S. Kang and Gay E. KangMental Health Status and Needs of the American Indian Elderly by Spero M. MansonHelp-Seeking and Mental Health Service Use by the Ethnic ElderlyUse of Mental Health Services by Black and White Elderly by Deborah K. Padgett, Cathleen Patrick, Barbara J. Burns, and Herbert J. SchlesingerHelp-Seeking and Use of Mental Health Services by the Hispanic Elderly by Orlando Rodriguez and Rita Mahard O'DonnellUse of Mental Health Services by Older Asian and Pacific Islander Americans by Nancy D. Harada and Lauren S. KimUse of Mental Health Services by American Indian and Alaska Native Elders by David D. BarneyCaregiving and Mental Health Service Delivery IssuesAging, Ethnicity, and Mental Health Services: Social Work Perspectives on Need and Use by Zev Harel and David E. BiegelCulturally Specific Psychosocial Nursing Care for the Ethnic Elderly by Joan J. Padgett and Susan J. BailyMeeting the Mental Health Needs of the Caregiver: The Impact of Alzheimer's Disease on Hispanic and African American Families by Carole CoxChronic Disease among Older American Indians: Preventing Depressive Symptoms and Related Problems of Coping by Spero M. Manson and Douglas L. BrennemanConcluding Remarks and Suggestions for Research and Service Delivery by Deborah K. PadgettGeneral BibliographyIndex