Learning Objective
Identify common psychiatric issues in older adults—including depression, suicide risk, and adjustment disorders—and apply appropriate screening and management principles in geriatric patients.
Psychiatric Issues in Older Adults
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Depression screening | • Age >65 is an independent risk factor for suicide. • Screening is essential, especially with terminal or debilitating illness. • Depression in older adults often presents as somatic complaints, cognitive changes, or withdrawal. |
| Adjustment disorder | • Triggered by significant life changes: retirement (even voluntary), new medical diagnoses, functional decline, loss of spouse, relocation. • Requires appropriate coping mechanisms; failure leads to emotional or behavioral symptoms. • Symptoms begin within 3 months of the stressor. |
