High technology and psychiatric care of the elderly

The dramatic explosion of scientific information, as well as the development of computerized devices in medicine, will continue to change both the diagnosis and treatment of the elderly as it changes our entire culture. There are many technological forces now combining to push the frontiers of knowledge about the brain to new levels. This article outlines these new scientific and technological frontiers in psychiatric diagnosis including: diagnostic imaging, computer EEG, and psychiatric evaluation; treatment including health-related computerized aids, computerized psychopharmacology, neuropsychiatric training for handicapped and brain-injured, and chronic care; and medical education. This article discusses some of the issues that arise due to these new developments. Computers have multiplied the kinds of questions that can be meaningfully asked. In this way, the advent of the computer has opened the minds of many researchers to new frontiers. An important question is, "What will the psychiatric 'state of the art' be in a technological age?" Other issues include confidentiality with new devices, use of high technology to define malpractice liability, the lack of professional standards in software, the resistance of medical profession to computers, and the increased ability to misuse statistics. Geriatric psychiatrists must take an active role in planning the future impact of high technology in our field.