Introduction

Many people harbor worries about developing debilitating chronic physical disorders, such as arthritis, in their old age. Few give a thought, however, to the possibility of developing mental health disorders, such as depression. But mental health disorders can rob an older person of the ability to function and enjoy life just as surely as any physical disorder can.

The realization that mental health disorders can greatly impair the ability to function comes at a time when experts are discovering that many so-called physical disorders can directly affect mental health and many so-called mental disorders can directly affect physical health. The lines that used to divide physical and mental disorders have become very blurry.

Depression, anxiety, and psychosis are three of the most common mental health disorders that affect older people. Fortunately, these disorders, like most mental health disorders, can be effectively treated.