Self-Neglect

Self-Neglect explores the social, ethical, medical, and practical implications of the most prevalent form of elder abuse. It examines the topics of passive suicide and indirect life-threatening behavior to help medical practitioners working with the elderly understand why patients do not follow doctor's orders or take care of themselves. Through case studies, this informative book explores the ways in which patients practice self-neglect by ignoring their doctors' advice, extreme lack of self-care, refusal to eat, failure to take their prescribed medication, and alcohol abuse. Discussing the sometimes tragic outcome of misdiagnosing self-neglect or leaving it untreated, this intelligent book will help you identify and understand this dangerous behavior and offer your patients better care for this condition.