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Women are the primary consumers of mental health services. Ironically, research addressing their unique needs lags behind that of men's issues. The aging process introduces an important variable that accentuates the relative lack of information and specific treatment guidelines for older women who are confronted by mental health problems. This volume offers a comprehensive overview for the health professional who is seeking a greater depth of understanding with respect to the study of mental health problems in general, and how these issues pertain specifically to women and the aging process. A second goal of this project is to provide the practicing therapist and counselor with a research update and a broad clinical perspective offered by seasoned clinicians. Using current psychiatric diagnosis as a framework, the contributions address the range of mental health problems, including dementia and cognitive impairment, schizophrenia, alcohol abuse, mood and anxiety disorders, traumatic and dissociative conditions, sexual and eating disorders, and personality disorders. It is hoped that this book will inform, inspire and encourage students and health professionals in their work with middle aged and older women who are facing mental health challenges.

Expression of one's sexuality is a fundamental mental health need of all individuals, regardless of age and gender. While the popularity and widespread use of Viagra and similar medications for male erectile dysfunction have helped many individuals, it has also reinforced a more male dominated view of sexuality-one that focuses more on genital function, and less on the relationship and issues of intimacy and meaning. Highlighting important issues and recent trends, the paper provides an overview of the diagnosis, description, etiology, assessment and treatment of women's sexual problems. A broad perspective on sexuality is emphasized, along with an understanding of the sexual response cycle. A selected review of the literature on older women and sexual dysfunction shows wide variability and the important role of biomedical, health and relational factors. In working with the sexual needs of older women, any therapeutic intervention should be based upon a solid understanding of the myths and realities of the sexual aging process, a keen understanding of the sexual challenges faced by older women, and a respect for the continuity of one's sexual lifestyle.

The threshold for the dark interval between two flashes was used to examine differences in stimulus persistence in 72 subjects aged 20 to 79 years. The data were then combined with results from two previous studies involving children and adolescents; thus, a cross sectional, adult, life-span view of differences in the dark-interval threshold was presented. Results showed that during childhood and adolescence there is a decline in stimulus persistence as a result of decreased receptor sensitivity. In adulthood, however, the dark-interval threshold remains fairly stable until the 70s where it increases significantly. Two possible explanations for this increase in stimulus persistence in old age are discussed.

In an attempt to evaluate how widows of various ages adapt sexually to loss of a marital partner, 100 relatively healthy, community-dwelling widows between the ages of 40 and 89 completed a reliable 101-item questionnaire which evaluated three major areas: 1) barriers to sexual expression posed by age-related changes in body image, mood state and environmental context; 2) degree of unhappiness associated with loss of various marriage-oriented activities; and 3) perceived utility of various activities which indirectly might satisfy sexual and affectional needs. Controlling for income, education, heterosocial involvement, and family contact, and using level of morale and depression as corroborative measures, results showed specific age differences across variables assessed. In particular, younger widows, when compared with their older counterparts, viewed changes in body image, the dearth of unattached men, and limited financial resources for social activities as representing significant sexual barriers. Increasing age of the widow was associated with lower unhappiness ratings with loss of marriage-related activities. For the sample as a whole, greater unhappiness was expressed with the loss of nonsexual, heterosocial activity (e.g., conversation with a man, going places with a man). Results also indicated that, regardless of the widow's age, activities pertaining to her children and grandchildren, wearing attractive clothing, and expressing her spirituality are all effective in meeting affectional and sexual needs. Results are discussed within the context of older female sexuality, affectional adaptation to widowhood, and therapeutic implications directed at this neglected group.