Psychogeriatrics Flashcards
what are some masquerades of depression in geriatric patients?
psychosomatic symptoms cognitive impairment pain irritability psychotic symptoms substance abuse
what are the common drugs for substance abuse in geriatric patients
alcohol abuse
prescribed medications- benzos opiates
In addition to the normal psychiatric history what other things are important to assess in a geriatric patient?
- Cognition
- Medical comorbidities
- Functional assessment
- Risk assessment- active/passive suicidality
- Detailed personal/developmental history (may need to get collateral information)
• Ascertain how they cope with resilience
• What are their strengths
What are their vulnerabilities
what are the SSRIs that we typically prescribe for a geriatric patient with depression?
Sertraline and citalopram
what are some practice points of prescribing psychotropic medications for psychogeriatric patients
start low go slow; lower doses of psychotropic medications; matching drugs to the patient e.g. consider the SE
options for managing depression in geriatric patients?
CBT
Drugs (SSRIs/SNRIs/Mirtazapine/TCAs/anti-psychotics etc)
ECT
An elderly patient presents with late onset mania what are some risks you need to screen for?
Financial risk risk of reputation risk of harm to self or others risk of neglect suicidality sexual dishibition
how might an elderly patient present with mania?
irritated rather than elevated mood
over familiarity with others
disinhibition
erratic behaviour
where is best to take a psychogeriatric interview and why?
elderly patients with psychiatric issues are better assessed in their home. We can address things like • Food in the kitchen • House clean and habitable • Medications • Personal grooming Etc
what are in the investigations included for an ‘organic work up’ of a geriatric patient presenting with late onset psychiatric symptoms?
- Routine blood tests- FBE UEC LFT Ca TFTs
- MSU
- CXR and neuroimaging
- Needs to be tailored to the patient
Depends on the history and medications
what age group defines very late onset schizophrenia?
Very late onset schizophrenia- greater 65 yrs old
what are some issues to consider with dementia patients with BPSD?
increased carer burden/burden on nursing staff
increased cost of management
earlier institutionalisation
stigma
poorer prognosis and lower functional ability
what do we mean by the term ‘graduates’ in psychogeriatric medicine?
elderly patients with longstanding early onset schizophrenia–>
positive symptoms tend to attenuate
negative symptoms tend to worsen
what type of delusions are common in late onset psychosis?
persecutory delusions
misidentification delusions
what is different about the typical delusions of late onset schizophrenia as compared to early onset schizophrenia?
late onset schizophrenia delusions tend to be more realistic and not fantastical like early onset schizophrenia