Geriatric psychiatry, geropsychiatry, geropsych, geri-psychiatry, and psychogeriatrics focus on averting, assessing, identifying, and coping with emotional and mental illnesses among aged individuals. Aging leads to changes in the body and mind, and some may experience various health issues such as long-term illnesses, physical limitations, mental health disorders, and the coexistence of multiple diseases.
Psychiatrists who serve geriatric patients offer treatment across diverse environments, including private clinics, medical centers, assisted living residences, hospitals, and facilities dedicated to veterans’ care. Like general psychiatrists, geriatric psychiatrists hold a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO). Geriatric psychiatrists complete a standard four-year residency in psychiatry and an extra year of specialized education in geriatric psychiatry. Their training during specialized schooling and residency covers numerous factors of aging and mental health.
Professionals in the field learn how to treat anxiety, dementia, and mood disorders. Geriatric psychiatrists also treat patients experiencing substance use disorders, sleep disturbances, and delirium.
The first instance of geriatric psychiatry stemmed from the attention of the Veterans Administration, which noticed the diverse mental health challenges experienced by aging veterans. In 1975, Congress established the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC) under the umbrella of Veteran's Affairs. The first geriatrics professorship came into existence at Cornell University in 1977.
In 1978, Sanford Finkel, MD, established the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) but did not conduct geriatric psychiatry exams until 1991. Therefore, the field has evolved considerably. Some of the evolution might stem from statistics showing that the percentage of individuals aged 65 and above in the United States will rise. According to the US Census Bureau, this population will increase from 17.6 percent in 2023 to 20 percent by 2030.
The ongoing demographic shift will exacerbate the existing shortage of healthcare experts focusing on elderly care, especially people with knowledge of geriatric mental health. Since 1990, over 2,500 psychiatrists have been certified as specialists in geriatric psychiatry. However, it does not meet anticipated demand.
Geriatric psychiatrists employ similar techniques when addressing the needs of elderly patients. First, the professionals interview patients and discuss their concerns, existing prescriptions, and any concurrent health conditions.
Next, geriatric psychiatrists collaborate with the family members and caretakers of elderly patients. The collaboration process involves interviews with family members, allowing them to accumulate additional information regarding the patient's psychological well-being.
In some cases, the cognitive abilities of the individual might undergo assessment to ascertain the potential existence of cognitive disorders. The Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) stands out as the prevailing standardized assessment for identifying mental disorders.
Family members can provide support to elderly ones facing mental health challenges by educating themselves on their condition and learning effective coping strategies. The insights provide family members with possible patient experiences and guidance on how to support them. For example, elderly patients benefit from empathy and patience.
Although family members may believe that loved ones require geriatric psychiatry treatment, they cannot coerce them into seeing professionals. Nonetheless, they may encourage them to seek a consultation or assessment to obtain more information before their elderly family members decide.
