Developing a curriculum in psychogeriatrics

Psychiatric problems are rampant among the aged, yet the psychiatric profession has not developed sufficient resources for training the necessary number of practitioners able and willing to treat elderly psychiatric patients. The management of psychiatric problems in old age differs substantially from that in younger age groups. The elderly patient is likely to have multiple needs and to require diverse services. Fundamental goals in training geriatric psychiatrists should focus on differential diagnosis and treatment, pharmacologic issues, consultation, community resources, and psychiatric, medical, and psychosocial aspects of care. The authors describe a curriculum tailored to meet these goals.