Geriatric (Old Age) Psychiatry
Geriatric (Old Age) Psychiatry
“Caring for seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who have walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy. – Senator John Hoeven ”
The Geriatric Psychiatry Program provides specialized inpatient and outpatient care to aging clients who suffer from late onset mental illnesses or severe behavioural responses. The program focuses on assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, family/community support and education.
Definition of a Geriatric Psychiatrist
Geriatric Psychiatry, a psychiatric subspecialty, focuses on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of complex mental disorders uniquely occurring in late life. In contrast to subspecialties that deal with organ-specific diseases, Geriatric Psychiatry is focused on providing care for intensive-needs patients and their caregivers at the end of the life cycle, a time when many complex physical and mental health issues coalesce.
What are the three most common diagnoses in geriatric psychiatry?
Delirium
A state of mental confusion that can happen if you become medically unwell. It can be caused by medical problems, surgery and medications. Symptoms of delirium include a reduced awareness of your environment, poor thinking skills, behavioural changes and emotional disturbances.
Dementia & Depression and anxiety
- Dementia – is a set of symptoms that over time can affect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.
- Depression and anxiety – is feeling persistently sad for more than just a few days. Symptoms of depression include lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, disinterest in things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Physical symptoms include feeling constantly tired, poor sleep, no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety such as feeling tense, nervous and worrying, a more noticeable heartbeat and chest pains.
- Death and bereavement
- Insomnia
- Late life addiction
- Difficulty coping with the changes that accompany aging
- Agitation
- Memory problems
Geriatric psychiatry at Trident Super Specialty Neuropsychiatric Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre
Our experienced and compassionate geriatric psychiatrists are highly skilled in addressing many late-life psychiatric syndromes and mental health conditions that affect older adults. These include anxiety, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s, delirium, mood disorders, psychoses, alcohol and substance abuse, loss and grief, personality disorders and sleep disturbances.
Our geriatric psychiatry treatment plans are highly personalised. They often require an interdisciplinary support team of psychiatrists, geriatric specialists, social workers, and other clinicians to help treat chronic physical conditions. You can rest assured that geriatric psychiatry at Trident Hospital will take a holistic view and provide comprehensive support and treatment to promote a better quality of life and health and mental wellbeing.
Call +91 99352 60387 and speak to any of our office staff to learn more or schedule an appointment.
6 Geriatric Psychiatric Treatment Benefits
- Enhanced communication
- Reduction in anxiety
- Clearer thinking
- A greater sense of calm or inner peace
- Wide range of treatment options
- Understand Each Other Better
