Geriatric Psychiatrist in Boynton Beach, FL

At all significant stages of our lives where we tend to undergo a great deal of changes (including physical, mental, and lifestyle), psychiatric support is recommended to provide additional support and to ease the transitions. Adults transitioning into geriatric ages (65 and older) undergo many biological and psychosocial changes, with many also suffering from acute or chronic health conditions or mental disorders that often go undetected as there is so much complexity about these concerns. Psychiatrists who provide care for geriatric patients will typically focus on evaluating, preventing, diagnosing, and treating their patients for mental and emotional disorders to improve their mental health regardless of their physical health status. They can provide care for patients who are in a variety of situations, including through nursing homes, assisted living facilities, veteran care centers, in-patient centers, and private practices. 

Geriatric psychiatrists also provide care for patients who are in intensive need when they are nearing the end of their lives, supporting the patients as they are faced with difficult medical decisions or facts of life. Similarly providing care to most psychiatrists, geriatric psychiatrists will commence sessions with patients with interviews to determine their concerns and symptoms, if they have any pre-existing conditions, and if they are currently taking any medications, but will also consult with the patient’s family for a bit more information regarding the patient’s mental health in cases where the patient may not be able to accurately articulate their symptoms. In many cases where the mental disorders of the patient are more progressed, the psychiatrist will coordinate with the family members who are responsible for providing the patient with care. 

Geriatric psychiatrists provide general mental health support and treatments for a wide range of mental health disorders and even for patients who are just generally struggling to cope with the changes that come with the aging process or want additional support to navigate bereavement and death. Common diagnoses provided by geriatric psychiatrists include:

• Anxiety, depression, or stress
• Delirium
• Insomnia or other types of sleep disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other memory problems
• Parkinson’s disease
• Chronic pain
• Emotional symptoms as a result of other medical disorders such as diabetes or a stroke

The top three most common diagnoses made by geriatric psychiatrists are delirium, depression, and dementia, all of which are very complex conditions that require professional support for proper management. 

Those aged 65 and older are often at an increased risk of developing mental health disorders, with mood disorders, anxiety, and severe cognitive impairment being common mental disorders among this population. Some factors that have been shown to affect the mental health of the elderly include the increased chances of experiencing life-changing events that have an impact on their mental health, such as a drop in income, retirement affecting their sense of purpose, losing a loved one, caring for a loved one with a serious or chronic illness, or being diagnosed themselves with a serious illness. These changes and traumatic or adverse events can build up throughout their lifetime, leading to feelings of social isolation, grief, loneliness, increased psychological distress, and even a decline in functional ability. 

Around 1 in 4 senior citizens experience feelings of loneliness and social isolation, increasing their risks of developing mental health conditions. The physical health of an individual can also have a direct impact on their mental health, with many elders who have poor physical health, perhaps living with chronic illnesses, neurological conditions, or who have substance abuse problems, being at an increased risk of depression and anxiety. 

Additionally, elder abuse is much more prevalent than most people realize, with 1 in 6 older adults experiencing abuse that can include any verbal, psychological, physical, sexual, or financial abuse or neglect. Any form of abuse will negatively affect the mental health of individuals, often leading to the development of depression and anxiety. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We have a convenient location to serve you at 10301 Hagen Ranch Rd Suite D720, Boynton Beach, FL 33437. We serve patients from Boynton Beach FL, Delray Beach FL, Lake Worth Beach FL, Palm Beach FL, Ocean Ridge FL, and surrounding areas.