Psychiatric disorders in older adults: a naturalistic study from North India

The number of older adults is increasing, especially among low- and middle-income countries. This raises specific issues related to healthcare since, as people are living longer, it is much more likely they will be living with complex co-morbidities, both physical and mental. In a naturalistic study from a private healthcare clinic from an industrial town in North India, details of 52 patients (mean age 72.4 years) were collected. Two thirds were male, and a vast majority attended the clinic accompanied by a family member. Those with different types of dementias were much more likely to present with sleep disturbances. A significant number of patients were illiterate or poorly educated, and a large number dropped out of healthcare. Reasons for this are discussed and detailed presentations regarding symptoms are described. Healthcare policies must take into account rural urban factors and ensure that policies take into account healthcare needs of older adults across geographical areas and complex co-morbidities.