Psychopathology of the Aging

Abstract

Experience with psychiatric disorders of senescence has shaken the belief that older patients are poor subjects for intensive psychiatric effort. Working with this age group is neither as difficult nor as futile as might be supposed. Evaluation often is difficult because of interweaving of organic and psychologic events, yet active treatment should be attempted even if precise diagnosis is impossible. Even minor physical deviations may tip the balance toward Psychopathologic disorder in aging persons. A wise combination of medical treatment and supportive psychotherapy often yields excellent results.