[Psychosomatic medicine in old age]

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Psychology

Background:

• Psychiatric disorders affect approximately 25% of individuals over 65.
• The prevalence of psychiatric disorders increases significantly with co-occurring somatic diseases in the elderly.
• Life events like sickness, loss, and crises can trigger past trauma in older individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the challenges in differentiating psychiatric disorders from psychological symptoms of somatic illnesses in older adults.
• To emphasize the importance of comprehensive geriatric assessments, including medical history and cognitive evaluations.
• To underscore the need for adequate diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders in the elderly population.

Main Methods:

• Biographic medical history assessment.
• Estimation of cognitive skills as part of geriatric diagnostics.
• Consideration of psychopharmacological effects on somatic conditions and drug-drug interactions.
• Application of resource-oriented and social support-focused psychotherapeutic approaches, especially group therapy.

Main Results:

• Psychiatric disorders are frequently overlooked or undertreated in older individuals.
• Differentiating between primary psychiatric conditions and psychological symptoms of physical illness can be challenging.
• Psychopharmacological treatments require careful consideration of somatic comorbidities and potential interactions.

Conclusions:

• Geriatric diagnostics should routinely include biographic medical history and cognitive assessments.
• Psychotherapeutic interventions, particularly group therapy emphasizing resources and social support, are beneficial for older adults.
• Integrated care addressing both mental and physical health is essential for the geriatric population.