Psychiatric illness in the elderly.
Most of the elderly with psychiatric disorders are unknown to mental health facilities and untreated by psychiatrists. Many of this population may be under the care of family physicians. Psychiatric illness in the elderly patient often goes unrecognized. Physicians' attitude and training create the possibility that treatable illnesses are misdiagnosed as irreversible dementia. A more optimistic approach to the treatment and prognosis of mental disorders in the aged is warranted.
D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003153:Community Health Services; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011379:Prognosis; D014481:United States