Until recently the literature has sadly neglected the commonest disorders of old age which, lacking a demonstrable organic basis, have tended to be called 'functional'. Professor Chiu and Dr Ames provide us with the first comprehensive text to deal with all the non-dementing psychiatric disorders in a practical guide and exhaustive reference. Interfacing psychiatry and somatic medicine, and confronting the issues of co-morbidity, this text clearly outlines our core knowledge about clinical problems, discussing appropriate treatments and highlighting areas for future research. Along with case histories which bring much of the detail into lively focus, chapters are neatly cross-referenced and are rich in practical advice for multidisciplinary management strategies. A unique group of contributors of international renown includes members of a number of allied health disciplines relevant to old-age psychiatry. This text is sure to be of widespread interest to all professionals concerned with the health of older people.
