When To See A Geriatric Psychiatrist

As one grows older, one's medical and mental health needs change, and it may be necessary to shift care to a different kind of doctor. Some doctors specialize in treating the issues that come with old age. For example, a geriatric psychiatrist can help someone in their golden years deal with issues that may come from aging. In this article, we will discuss what a geriatric psychiatrist is and when you should seek one out.

What is a geriatric psychiatrist?

A geriatric psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has been trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental disorders in older adults.

Sometimes, the psychiatric disorders that geriatric psychiatrists treat are common in people of all ages, such as anxiety and depression, but how they affect an older person may differ. Other times, the disorders are primarily associated with aging, such as dementia. As people age, some may develop mental health, cognitive, or medical conditions that affect daily functioning and quality of life. A geriatric psychiatrist understands the needs of an older person and can work with the person or the person's loved ones to find the best treatment approach. A geriatric psychiatrist may also be someone for the older adult to talk to about any problems they are experiencing.

There is a growing demand for geriatric psychiatry. This means that more doctors need to learn how to take care of an older population. There is a well-recognized shortage of board-certified psychiatrists specializing in geriatric care relative to the size of the older-adult population. The number of psychiatrists needed to care for the older population needs to increase in a big way if elderly people are to get the treatment they deserve.

Why someone would see a geriatric psychiatrist

There are many reasons why someone would see a geriatric psychiatrist. Here are some suggestions of when you should consider seeing a geriatric psychiatrist or taking a family member to see one.

Difficulty coping with change

Being older means you have to deal with changes. Your children are living an independent life. You may lose friends and family. There may be a physical disability that makes it harder to do the things you like to do. It can be difficult to cope with any change, and a geriatric psychiatrist can help you learn how to cope with the changes you're experiencing and develop coping strategies and adjust to life changes. They may be able to do this through talk therapy or by helping address the mental health challenges related to these changes.

Grief

You can lose people at any age, but grief doesn't stop coming when you're older. Your friends, family, spouse, or anyone else close to you can die, and it can be hard for anyone to cope with. A geriatric psychiatrist can help you learn how to cope with grief and make sure it doesn't affect your well-being.

When you're depressed

Depression can happen at any age, but when you're older, it can be terrifying. You may no longer enjoy your life in the same way, and you may feel a sense of life "coming to an end". A geriatric psychiatrist may recommend psychotherapy, medication management when clinically appropriate, or a combination of approaches to support you in living a better life.

*Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate and is not guaranteed. Pricing, availability, insurance coverage, and copays vary by plan, location, and provider availability are not guaranteed.

When you have a family history of illness

Someone with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or other mental health conditions may choose to discuss cognitive or emotional concerns early with a geriatric specialist, especially if symptoms arise.

When you have chronic pain

Chronic pain can change how you function, but it doesn't have to be that way. A geriatric psychiatrist may work with your broader care team to address the emotional and behavioral effects of chronic pain, and they may discuss medication management when clinically appropriate. If you are suffering from chronic pain, don't let it destroy how you live. Learn how you can deal with it—a geriatric psychiatrist can work with you to find an appropriate treatment plan, which may include collaborating with a pain specialist.

When you have a stroke

If you have had a stroke and are dealing with the mental aftereffects, a geriatric psychiatrist may be able to help. They can help address feelings of anxiety, depression, or other concerns you may have to improve your quality of life.

Heart disease

If you had a heart attack, a geriatric psychiatrist can help you cope with the emotional aftereffects and coordinate with your medical providers as part of your overall care plan.

For any mental health disorder

As you grow older, your cognitive health may decline, and you may have problems with remembering, doing basic tasks, or experience mental health problems that come with aging. Cognitive changes can occur for many reasons and are not limited to dementia. A geriatric psychiatrist can work with you and your loved ones to make sure you have the mental health care you need.

When you need someone to talk to

When you're older, it can be difficult to find someone to talk to. Some older adults may feel isolated or misunderstood and may benefit from a clinician experienced in later-life concerns. A geriatric psychiatrist is specially suited to listen to you and understand your needs.

For a general checkup

If you are noticing mood, memory, behavioral, or adjustment concerns, or if your primary care clinician recommends specialty care, a geriatric psychiatrist may be helpful

What to expect

When you or a loved one goes to a geriatric psychiatrist, what will the initial process be like? First, you will go in for an evaluation, where they will interview you and ask about your medical and mental health history. With that said, don't be afraid to ask your own questions, such as:

• How will you treat me if I have a disorder?
• What is your philosophy on treatment?
• What tools do you have at your disposal?
• What is your payment plan?

These questions can ensure that you have the best geriatric psychiatrist experience possible and find a doctor who best meets your particular needs.

Once they interview the older person and figure out their diagnosis, a geriatric psychiatrist may talk to the family. If the person has a disease where independence will decline, such as dementia, the family needs to know about this to be the caretakers or find good caretakers nearby.

You or your loved one should go to regular sessions if you want to have the best geriatric psychiatrist experience possible. If medication is recommended, it's important to follow up with the doctor about how it's working and discuss any difficulties you're having with it. Your geriatric psychiatrist may adjust your treatment plan based on your response and needs. If you're going through psychotherapy, regular sessions can help maintain your mental health.

Where you can find a geriatric psychiatrist

Geriatric psychiatrists are available in many places, including:

• Nursing homes. This is where many older people are, and they're often dealing with mental and physical disabilities. A geriatric psychiatrist can help you have the best nursing home experience possible.
• Assisted living facilities. If a person has a disorder such as dementia, they may need daily help. Geriatric psychiatrists often work in these settings in order to help their patients.
• Veteran's care. Aging veterans may also benefit from geriatric psychiatric care.

Get online support from a geriatric psychiatrist

If you or a loved one are having trouble with a mental disorder that has affected your golden years, it's worth seeing a geriatric psychiatrist, and if you need psychotherapy, you can also seek assistance from a geriatric psychologist or therapist.

If it's difficult to leave your home, you may want to consider online treatment options. You will not need to travel to a physical location to get help. All you'll need is an electronic device and an internet connection.

BetterHelp is an online platform that offers access to licensed therapists. BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift as an additional care option alongside therapy. Based on a provider evaluation, psychiatry services may include medication management when clinically appropriate. Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member’s insurance plan.