Psychiatric morbidity in geriatric people

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Growing population of elderly individuals requiring psychiatric care in India.
• Limited research and services available for geropsychiatric patients in many Indian regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of elderly psychiatric patients.
• To compare the experiences of patients attending psychiatric services with those residing in an old age home.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Indian Psychiatric Survey Schedule for screening at Mumukshu Bhavan (old age home).
• Employed Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for diagnoses.
• Statistical analysis performed using Chi-square test with Yate correction and Z-test.

Main Results:

• Depressive disorders were the most prevalent psychiatric diagnosis.
• Hypertension was the most frequent co-occurring physical illness.
• While objective social support was moderate, perceived social support was generally poor, though old age home residents reported better perceptions.

Conclusions:

• Depressive disorder and hypertension are key health concerns in the elderly psychiatric population.
• Elderly individuals residing in old age homes reported a better perceived social support system compared to those living with their children's families.