Geriatric psychiatry: mental health care for older adults
बुज़ुर्गों का मानसिक स्वास्थ्य (जेरियाट्रिक साइकियाट्री)
Mental health problems in old age are often missed as 'just ageing'. Older adults also take many medicines and have other illnesses, so treatment must be especially careful.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Problems we help with
- Late-life depression — withdrawal, poor appetite, 'I am a burden'
- Anxiety, restlessness, health worries
- Memory loss and dementia
- Sudden confusion (delirium) during illness or after surgery
- Sleep problems and sleeping-pill dependence
- Suspiciousness or hallucinations in old age
- Long-term afeem or alcohol use
Causes
- Loss of spouse, loneliness, retirement, dependence on others
- Stroke, Parkinson's, diabetes, heart disease, pain
- Hearing or vision loss
- Too many medicines (polypharmacy) and their interactions
Risk factors
- Several medical illnesses and many medicines
- Hearing or vision loss, loneliness, loss of a spouse
- Previous depression or alcohol use
How it is diagnosed
- Assessment of mood, memory, sleep and behaviour, with family input
- Medicine review to stop drugs that worsen confusion or falls
- Basic blood tests and brain scan when indicated
Treatment options
- 1Full review of all medicines — removing those that worsen memory or cause falls
- 2Low-dose, carefully chosen medicines ('start low, go slow')
- 3Supportive therapy and activity planning
- 4Caregiver guidance and coordination with other doctors
- 5Online consultation from home — no need to travel
Psychotherapy and counselling
- Supportive and problem-solving therapy adapted for older adults
- Caregiver guidance and respite planning
Guidance for family
- Keep a single updated list of all medicines and doses
- Encourage daily activity, social contact and safe walking
When to see a psychiatrist
- Low mood, not eating, or talk of death
- New forgetfulness or personality change
- Sudden confusion — urgent medical check
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Free self-assessment
A short screening in Hindi or English. Private — nothing is saved. Screening does not establish a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Is depression normal in old age?
No. It is common but not normal, and it responds well to treatment.
Can my elderly parent consult by video?
Yes, with a family member helping on the call.
They take many medicines already. Is it safe to add more?
We review everything first; often some medicines can be reduced.
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.