Mental illness in adults can have a significant impact on children in their care. Also, stressful life events or the manifestation of mental illness can disrupt life balance and result in distress and dysfunction. Research has improved our understanding of mental disorders in the adult stage of life. It has also contributed to our ability to recognize, diagnose and treat each of these conditions effectively in terms of symptom control and behavior management. Certain common events in midlife, such as divorce or other stressful life events, can cause mental health problems that may be addressed through a range of interventions.
Substance abuse is a common co-occurring problem for adults with mental disorders.
The report also emphasizes that sensitivity to culture, race, gender, disability, poverty and the need for patient involvement are important considerations for treatment and care. Chapter five states that continued intellectual, social and physical activity throughout life are important for maintaining mental health in late life. Stressful life events, such as declining health or the loss of mates, family members or friends, will often increase with age. Normal aging is not characterized by mental or cognitive disorders. Mental or substance use disorders that present alone or co-occur should be recognized and treated as illnesses.