Old Age Psychiatry Flashcards
What is the primary focus of Old Age Psychiatry?
The study and treatment of psychiatric disorders in older adults
This includes conditions such as dementia, depression, and psychosis.
What is a key characteristic of dementia?
Cognitive decline that interferes with daily life
Dementia encompasses various types, including Alzheimer’s disease.
List the features of normal grief.
- Alarm
- Numbness
- Pining (illusions or hallucinations)
- Depression
- Recovery and reorganisation
These features are typically experienced in a healthy grieving process.
What are the features of abnormal grief?
- Persisting >2 months
- Feelings of guilt
- Thoughts of death and worthlessness
- Psychomotor retardation
- Marked functional impairment
- Psychosis
These symptoms indicate that the grieving process may require intervention.
Define late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis.
A condition characterized by psychotic symptoms occurring in older age
It may present with delusions and hallucinations similar to schizophrenia.
True or False: Depression is less prevalent in older adults compared to younger populations.
False
Depression can be quite prevalent among older adults, often co-occurring with other medical conditions.
What is the significance of understanding disease prevalence in old age?
It informs treatment strategies and resource allocation for older adults
Accurate prevalence data is crucial for effective healthcare planning.
