Understanding Behaviour in Dementia that Challenges: A Guide to Assessment and Treatment

Ian Andrew James

Aug 2011 · Jessica Kingsley Publishers

About this ebook

*Highly Commended in the Health and Social Care category at the 2012 British Medical Association Book Awards*

Behaviours that challenge can significantly interfere with the quality of life of a person with dementia, as well as that of those who live with and care for them. Yet there is a great deal of confusion surrounding how such behaviours should be addressed. This book provides theory and practical guidance on the assessment and treatment of behaviours that challenge in dementia, with a particular emphasis on non-pharmacological approaches.

The author describes the different categories and causes of challenging behaviour in people with dementia, and provides tried-and-tested models which will aid identification, assessment and treatment. A thorough evaluation of the use of psychotropic medication is provided, as well as of a wide range of psychological and biopsychosocial interventions. The book contains useful tools and protocol derived from the author's work at a specialist challenging behaviour unit, as well as case studies which demonstrate how the various models may be used in practice.

This will be an invaluable resource for any professional involved in the assessment and treatment of behaviours that challenge in people with dementia, including psychiatrists, psychologists, community psychiatric nurses, GPs and occupational therapists. It will also be of interest to those involved in commissioning, providing and managing services.

About the author

Ian Andrew James is Head of Newcastle Challenging Behaviour Service and Consultant Clinical Psychologist for Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Trust. Having graduated in Psychology from the University of Aberdeen, he undertook a PhD in cognitive psychology at Lancaster University. After completing his clinical training at Newcastle University, he spent four years at Newcastle Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies Centre, undertaking work on therapeutic competence. He has published extensively in the field of mental health, training and clinical supervision, and is a regular speaker at national and international conferences. He is a lecturer on the Clinical Psychology course at Newcastle University, and now focuses on applying therapy to people with dementia. Ian Andrew James is the author of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Older People, also published by JKP.