Citation

Rigaud AS, Bayle C, Latour F, Lenoir H, Seux ML, Hanon O, Péquignot R, Bert P, Bouchacourt P, Moulin F, Cantegreil I, Wenisch E, Batouche F, De Rotrou J. EMC - Psychiatrie 2005; 2(4): 259-281.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005)

DOI

10.1016/j.beproc.2004.09.005

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Psychiatric illness in the elderly may have atypical forms (i.e., somatic complaints or behavioural disorders) and should be differentiated from aging and physical illness. Depression which is associated with risk of suicide and chronic outcome is underreported and under-treated. Anxiety disorders are often misdiagnosed and can induce major disability. Symptoms, behavioural consequences and causes of psychotic troubles are heterogeneous in elderly persons. Alcohol abuse is often unrecognized and associated with excessive drug consumption. Sleep disturbances are often secondary to physical illness or specific sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea and periodic leg movements. Behavioural disturbances are frequently observed in dementia and are a major cause of institutionalization. Treatment of mental illness should be global and should include psychotherapeutic, psychopharmacologic and social interventions. In addition, most of the time, family support is necessary for successful management of the elderly. © 2005 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits réservés.

Language: fr

Keywords

Sleep; Anxiety; Depression; Psychosis; Dementia; Alcoholism; Mania; Delirium; Psycho-geriatrics