The Oxford textbook of old age psychiatry

The Oxford textbook of old age psychiatry is the fourth edition of a book originally published as Psychiatry in the elderly. It has two new editors and 73 contributors from eight different countries. New material includes chapters on psychotherapies, memory clinics, liaison old age psychiatry, mild cognitive impairment and sleep disorders and chapters by patients describing their experiences of illness. Of its 640 pages, the largest section, about a third of the book, covers specific diseases. The other four sections, approximately equal in length, cover basic science, clinical practice, psychiatric services and sexual, ethical and legal issues. There are three chapters specifically discussing mental health in care homes. The book is clearly laid out with extensive up-to-date references. Many people, including doctors who should know better, still view old age psychiatry as a support service for people with three or four diseases for which very little can be done. This book is an ideal answer, with a richness of content ranging from complex neurology and molecular biology to compassion for individual sufferers, their relatives and carers. We are reminded that old age psychiatry was recognised as a specialty in the UK as recently as 1988, difficult to believe as the content of this book makes a clear distinction, despite the significant overlaps, between old age psychiatry, psychiatry for younger adults and geriatric medicine. This book is essential for trainees in old age psychiatry who may wish to work through the chapters over a 2- or 3-year period. Geriatric medicine trainees should also be encouraged to read much of the book to immerse themselves in the elements common and central to both specialties. More senior people will want to look things up and also dip into it for its illumination of so many fascinating topics.