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. Many 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. Those who are growing older are more likely to develop a mental illness or other disabilities that make it harder to live a full life. A geriatric psychiatrist understands all the needs of an older person and can work with the person or the person's loved ones to find the best solution for treatment. A geriatric psychiatrist may also be someone for the older adult to talk to about any problems they are experiencing.

Sadly, the field of geriatric psychiatry is in demand. This is not a good sign, as the number of elderly adults—considered to be those over the age of 65—is increasing. 

This means that more doctors need to learn how to take care of an older population. Only 1,700 board-certified psychiatrists specialize in geriatric care. Compared to the millions of adults who are aging, this isn't enough. This is about one geriatric psychiatrist per 27,000 older adults. 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. Your older years should be a period where you're relaxing and reflecting on your life, not a period of mental suffering. However, for many older adults, their older years are just that.

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 accept things the way they are. They may be able to do this through talk therapy or by treating the reasons for the change.

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 can no longer enjoy your life, and you want to do everything while you still can. A geriatric psychiatrist can treat your depression through medication and/or psychotherapy and allow you to live a better life.

When you have a family history of illness

Someone with a family history of Alzheimer's or other mental disorders may want to see a geriatric psychiatrist even if they haven't developed it yet. A geriatric psychiatrist can help figure out your chances of developing the disorder and find ways for you to prevent or cope with it should it develop.

When you have chronic pain

Chronic pain can change how you function, but it doesn't have to be that way. A geriatric psychiatrist can prescribe medication to reduce the pain and allow you to live a fuller life. 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 teach you.

When you have a stroke

If you have had a stroke and are dealing with the mental aftereffects, see a geriatric psychiatrist. They can help you to retake control of your life. Don't feel like you have to live with mental pain because you have had a stroke. There is hope.

Heart disease

If you had a heart attack, a geriatric psychiatrist can help you cope with the aftereffects and monitor your health so you don't have another heart attack in the future.

For any mental health disorder

As you grow older, your mental health may deteriorate, and you may have problems with remembering, doing basic tasks, or mental health problems that come with aging. You don't need to have dementia to have lessened cognition. 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. The younger crowd doesn't understand you, and the people your age can be difficult to speak to. A geriatric psychiatrist is specially suited to listen to you and help you be the best person possible. 

For a general checkup

Even if you're an older adult and you feel mentally and physically sound, it's still worth it to see a geriatric psychiatrist. A geriatric psychiatrist can help you to keep your mental abilities up as long as possible, allowing you to live a fuller life. Even if you don't have anything that is currently an issue, a geriatric psychiatrist may be able to help keep it that way.

What to expect

When you or a loved one goes to a geriatric psychiatrist, 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 can you do for me if I have an untreatable 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 you're prescribed a medication, 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 can change the medicine if you're not doing well with it. 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 help living. You can find geriatric psychiatrists here to help the patient.
• Veteran's care. Aging veterans may be able to receive geriatric psychiatric care.
• A geriatric psychiatrist may also be a researcher, studying how age affects mental abilities and how a person can cope with the challenges that come with aging.

Get online support from a geriatric psychologist

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 or . 

If it's difficult to leave your home, you may want to consider online therapy. 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. Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy.

BetterHelp is an online platform that offers access to licensed therapists. You can get matched to a counselor trained to work with someone in your situation. They will be able to meet with you at a time that works best for your schedule. BetterHelp therapists are also available for caregivers who need an outlet.