Medical evaluation of the elderly psychiatric patient

Elderly patients with psychiatric disorders present a formidable clinical challenge. Medical and psychiatric disorders coexist and mimic each other, blurring diagnostic criteria. Accurate diagnosis is essential and can best be achieved by cooperation between internist and psychiatrist. Most treatments carry substantial risk, which must be minimized by careful medical assessment and optimal selection among options. Error is unavoidable, so clinicians must continually analyze and question their diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.