Geriatric Psychiatry
Aging brings many physical and mental health changes, and often a decreased level of functioning, as well.
Psychogeriatrics is a field in medicine specializing in mental illnesses characterizing older age, namely, Geriatric Psychiatry.
Doctors who practice psychogeriatrics are geriatric doctors or psychiatrists who have specialized in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia, usually diagnosed at an older age.
It is important to point out: In Israel there is no recognized psychogeriatrics specialty.
Geriatric doctors treat physical and mental conditions that occur with old age, such as depression, acute confusion, and dementia, with a comprehensive approach to the patient's condition and not only from the psychiatric aspect.
Psychiatrists usually treat older people with mental health problems and adapt their treatment to the process of aging and to the changes in functioning.
The HMOs do refer patients to psychogeriatric doctors; however, the referrals are transferred to geriatric doctors or to psychiatrists who have been trained. For example, one of the recognized training programs is a 3-year course on the subject of “Old Age Psychiatry”, as part of Tel Aviv University’s continuing education.
When should you see a geriatric doctor and when a psychogeriatric doctor?
When the consultation issue is related to well-known and long-term psychiatric problems, you should contact a psychogeriatric doctor.
If you are uncertain which is the most appropriate doctor, you can consult with your family physician, who knows you and can identify cognitive changes. The family doctor will refer you to a geriatric doctor or a psychogeriatric doctor, according to his or her assessment.
In any event, it is recommended to check with the insuring HMO whether a referral is required for consulting with a psychogeriatric doctor.
Which problems require a psychogeriatric doctor?
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
- Behavioral problems
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Psychiatric conditions known from the past
What does a psychogeriatric diagnosis include?
A psychogeriatric diagnosis is comprised of several stages:
- Cognitive test to examine memory and spatial orientation
- Mental illness diagnosis, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. (if not diagnosed in the past).
- General medical tests, such as blood tests, urine test, blood pressure, etc.
The diagnosis will assist in adapting the type of therapy appropriate to your condition or to the condition of your relative. A psychogeriatric doctor is authorized to prescribe drug therapy for both physical and mental conditions. Furthermore, a psychogeriatric doctor can refer you to other supportive treatments.
