[Dutch research on mental disorders in old age: a literature review]

This article reviews the Dutch research on psychological disorders in the aged, which has been done between 1974 and 1979 and is reported in the Register van Sociaal-Gerontologisch Onderzoek, deel III, 1974-1979. Described is research on the prevalence, the treatment facilities, the assessment methods, on dementia and psychotherapy for the aged. It is concluded that research should be also directed, firstly, towards the elderly living independently or in homes for the aged and not only, as is now the case, towards older people living in nursing homes and psychiatric hospitals and, secondly, towards the prevention of disorders and an outpatient mental health care system for the aged. Finally, it is concluded that there should be more experimental psychological research to improve treatment methods for older people with cognitive, speech and motor disorders.