Old age psychiatry

Definition

The speciality of old age psychiatry tends to deal with psychiatric illnesses in people around or above the traditional retirement age (65 years). The definition of old age has, however, changed in the recent decades and a number of older people are leading fitter and healthier lives who don't consider themselves 'old' in the traditional sense. The population of older people is increasing along with associated mental health issues that require specialist services dedicated to their needs.

Depression

As we get older, the reasons for becoming depressed may seem to increase. It is estimated that around 25 per cent of people over 65 living in the community in the UK have symptoms of depression, while around half of these - 10 to 15 per cent - meet the clinical criteria for a diagnosis of depression. Older people are dealing with many changes in their lives - they stop working and may have less money, they are more prone to physical ailments, they experience death of their loved ones.

Dementia

Age is a major risk factor for dementia, a term used to describe symptoms such as memory loss and loss of functioning. These symptoms occur due to declining brain function, which can be caused by a number of disorders. Dementia affects one in 14 people over the age of 65, and one in six over the age of 80. Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia, affects around 417,000 people in the UK. Alzheimer's disease commonly presents with short-term memory loss, which is progressive and early diagnosis and management are key to a better outcome.

How Priory can help

Priory has been helping to treat people of all ages with mental health issues for over 25 years. We know that everyone's situation is different, which is why we ensure that everyone has a unique treatment plan tailored to their needs.

The type and length of treatment is dependent on the individual's circumstances and the severity of the condition. Some patients are treated as outpatients, which means they come to Priory for hourly sessions with their consultant, psychologist or therapist. Others require a more structured treatment approach which can include staying at one of the Priory hospitals for the duration of their treatment where they take part in the psychological group programme as well as regular sessions with their consultant.

For more information or to request an initial assessment, please call 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774 679) or email info@priorygroup.com

To view a list of the Priory hospitals that can help with old age psychiatry please click here.

For more support

If you feel you or a friend or relative may need support and would like help or more information, you can ask your GP or contact any of the following organisations:

The Samaritans
www.samaritans.co.uk
08457 909090

Priory
www.priorygroup.com
0845 2 774 679

If you are interested in receiving treatment from us, your GP will be able to refer you.